tion, and we have not the bitterness of remorse to add to the asperity of misfortune. It seems as reasonable to enjoy blessings with confidence, as to resign them with submission, and to hope for the continuance of good which we possess without insolence or voluptuousness, as for the restitution of that which we lose without despondency or murmurs. OPPORTUNITY. To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of life. Many wants are suffered, which might once have been supplied, and much time is lost in regretting the time which had been lost before. He that waits for an opportunity to do much at once, may breathe out his life in idle wishes, and regret, in the last hour, his useless intentions and barren zeal. A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. Men's behavior should be like their apparel, not too strait, but free for exercise. Neglect no opportunity of doing good, nor check thy desire of doing it by a vain fear of what may happen. "Opportunity is the cream of time." UNOBTRUSIVE BEAUTY. As lamps burn silent with unconscious light, And she, who meant no mischief, does it all. CONDITION OF MAN.-FORBEARANCE. 235 THE VALUE OF HOPE. CEASE, every joy, to glimmer on my mind, But leave-oh leave! the light of hope behind! Her musing mood shall every pang appease, And charm-when pleasures lose the power to please. THE PRESENT CONDITION OF MAN VINDICATED. HEAVEN from all creatures hides the book of fate, FORBEARANCE. ALL that is good and great in the universe is on the side of clemency and mercy. If we look into the history of mankind, we shall find that in every age, those who have been respected as worthy have been distinguished for this virtue. Revenge dwells in little minds; a noble and magna nimous spirit is superior to it. Collected within itself, it stands unmoved by the impotent assaults of our enemies; and with generous pity, rather than with anger, looks down on their unworthy conduct. Anger and revenge are uneasy passions; "hence," says Seed, "it appears that the command of loving your enemies, which has been thought a hard saying, and impossible to be fulfilled, is really no more, when resolved into its first principles, than bidding us to be at peace with ourselves, which we cannot be, so long as we continue at enmity with others." TO A DEAR LITTLE BOY, AFTER AN INTERVAL OF ABSENCE. I MISS thee from my side With thy merry eyes and blue; From thy crib at morning tide, Oft its curtains peeping through; Thou wert wont to give me then; When 't was time for bed again. I miss thee from my side, Or extract the apple's core; Of barley-sugar, comfits sweet; Vacant is thy wonted seat! TO A DEAR LITTLE BOY. I miss thee from my side, With thy query oft repeated; Or beneath my table seated; I miss thee from my side When brisk Punch is at the door; Vainly pummels he his bride, Judy's wrongs can charm no more! He may beat her till she 's sore, She may die, and he may flee Though I loved their squalls of yore, What's the pageant now to me! I miss thee from my side When the light of day grows pale; Thou wouldst list the oft-told tale, I miss thee from my side In the haunts that late were thine; Where thy twinkling feet would glide, And thy clasping fingers twine ;Here are checkered tumblers nine,Silent relics of thy play ; 237 Here the mimic tea-things shine, Thy drum hangs on the wall; The bird-organ sounds are o'er ; Dogs and horses, great and smallWanting some a leg or more; Cows and sheep,-a motley storeAll are stabled near thy bed; And not one but can restore Memories sweet of him that's fled! I miss thee from my side, For thy chirping voice of mirth: I miss thee from my side, With thy bright ingenuous smile; Hearts that prize thee fondly too THE FROZEN DOVE. AWAY from the path! silly dove, Where the foot that may carelessly tread |