ne

HARACTIER gives splendor to youth and awe
to wrinkled skin and gray hairs.— R. W.
EMurrson.

Death is like the thunder; we are alarmed at the
sound of it, but it is only formidable from that which
preceded is.

Talent is power; tact is skill. Talent makes a
man respectable; tact makes him respected. Tal-
ent convinces; tact converts. Talent commands;
tact is obeyed. Talent is. something; tact is every-
thine,

 

 

A DISCONTENTED DOG.

 

HE kitchen, indeed! And they think I shall
sta
To ee fine tail at the servants all day!’
I've been pampered and spoiled and I cannot be
foiled.
Now how could they fancy a dog of my race
Could ever prefer such a saucepany place ?
I'll bark till they give me a better estate ;
Til bark, whosoever should come to the gate,;—
The baker, the milkman, the bad butcher boys ;
Tl bark till T die, if I die of the noise.
The dining-room’s better —more joy to be found ;
The guests are all seated, and I walk around.

They turn, but*they meet me half way with a

frown, :

_ And all that they say is, “ Go down, dog, go down!”

If they’d wish me to beg, or to dance on one leg,

I should feel more content, for I’m fond of a show,

And like to be chief one wherever I go.

You must own that the patience of stone is o’er-
tasked

J£ you know you sing well and you never are asked.

The dvawing-room’s nicer, — the wax tapers gleam,

There’s a cosey arm-chair-for a muffled-up dream.

(Does the tea-maker know that I’m used to the
cream ?)

But just. as ’'m dozing, the couch of my rest

Is seized by a maiden all satin and jewels

Yor herself and a dog she is working in crewels.

Oh, memory sweet, of the things I had best —

The fluffiest corner, the downiest chair!

And now I’m expected to sit anywhere.

I was constantly called “ Sweetest darling !” “ Old
dear !??

And now not a word — do they know I am here ?

‘To-day Lam up on the nursery floor,

Children I like, I may say adore!

They think of one’s ease, and they always say
“ please.”

Here, Sophy, and Harry, and nice little Sam,

Come and see what a beautiful dogeie I am. -

What sweet trusting smiles! I must really unbend;

Come closer, and each shake a paw like a friend.

You may pull my left ear just a little as well.

The dinner plates rattle —phaugh! Mutton I
smell : ;

_ I shall not have dinner at all as I wish.

 

. Does she dare to creep over my royal demesne?

I suppose it’s the thing for these nursery chicks.

Three children, myself, and the nurses make six,

But the cloth’s laid for five—pray where is my
plate ?

I’m accustomed to sit upon cushions in state ;

And now a chance morsel just thrown from a dish |

What ! charity bits from a set of tomtits ? '

Thanks, no ! when bad manners so clearly prevail

I know how to carry my head and my tail.

I'll go up to the roof — I shall live quite aloof —

There will I dwell with my comforts increased,

There I have freedom and starlight at least.

J shall not be needy though living alone,

I’m a world to myself, and I’ve brought up a bone;

When I’m wanting a tune, J can bay to the moon.

Perhaps, when they look at me down in the street,

They will think I’m a monument sculptured in
stone.

A crown to the house, for my virtues completet .

Aha! what is that? Animpertinent cat! |

Are the chimneys aware that I do not like smoking ?
The stars are all hidden, the mist it comes soaking,
Discomfort and cats and a fine drizzling rain! :
Oh, dear! what a life Pim beginning again !

 

 

SPRING FLOWERS.

 

OW, while
South
Blow the bright, golden orange from their lips,
And while from the sweet jasmine’s amber mouth
The honey-bee its subtle nectar sips —

the fragrant blossoms of the

She hastens, in thé dewy early hours,

To tend the buds beneath the garden wall,
And lead them gently into full-blown flowers,
Although, the while, the fairest of them all.

How sweet the blending of those youthful charms
With the soft crimson of the opening rose!

And, as she stretches forth her beauteous arms,
How pink the lily in her fingers glows.

Which is the fairest gem ’tis hard to say, — |
The chaliced snowy flower or blushing girl ;
Or e’en the brightest bud that strews her way,
For she, too, is all balm — all rose and pearl.