998 SELECT POETRY

As wide as the ridge of the Nose is, in short,
Designed to sit close to it, just like a saddle,

“Again; would your lordship a moment suppose

(‘Tis a case that has happened, and may be again)

That the visage or countenance had not a nose,

Pray who would, or who could, wear spectacles
then?

* On the whole it appears, that my argument shows,
With a reasoning the court will never condemn,
That the spectacles plainly were made for the nose,
And the nose wasas plainly intended for them.”

Then shifting his side (as the lawyer knows how,)
He pleaded again in behalf of the Eyes ;

But what were his arguments few people know
For the court did not think they were equally wise.

So his lordship decreed, with a grave solemn tone,

Decisive and clear, without one if or but,

That, whenever the Nose put his spectacles on,

By day-light, or candle-light, Eyes should be shut.
Cowper.

 

HE NEVER SMILED AGAIN.'

Tue bark that held a prince went down,
The sweeping waves rolled on;

And what was England’s glorious crown
To him that wept a son?

1 It is recorded of Henry the First, that, after the death
of his son Prince William, who perished in shipwreck off
the coast of Normandy, he was never seen to smile.