versary of which he thus records in a sonnet of matchless fortitude and resignation. Cyriack, this three-years-day these eyes, though clear, To outward view, of blemish or of spot, Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer Right onward! What supports me, dost thou ask? The conscience, friend, to have lost them, overplied In liberty's defence-my noble task, Of which all Europe rings from side to side; This thought might lead me through the vain world's masque, Content, though blind, had I no better guide. But it is in the family circle that sacrifices of self have chiefly to be made, and here we have The best portion of a good man's life, WORDSWORTH. Which meet their best reward in sympathy. That is a tender little family song by Barry Cornwall, A PETITION TO TIME. Touch us gently, Time! Let us glide down thy stream Humble voyagers are we, Husband, wife, and children three: (One is lost, an angel, fled To the azure overhead!) Touch us gently, Time! We've not proud nor soaring wings; Lies in simple things. Seeking only some calm clime. Touch us gently, gentle Time! And these beautiful lines from the Hungarian of Kazinezi, written in 1759, breathe a similar feeling:My little bark of life is gently speeding Adown the stream midst rocks, and sands, and eddies, And gathering storms, and dark'ning clouds unheeding, Its quiet course thro' waves and winds it steadies; My love is with me and my babes-whose kisses Sweep sorrow's trace from off my brow as fast As gathering there-and hung upon the mast Are harp and myrtle flowers, that shed their blisses On the sweet air. Is darkness on my path? Even troubles fall on the happy domestic circle with a divided force, that under the disposal of a good Providence immensely lightens them to the individual. Our hands in one, we will not shrink Our hands in one, we will not blink What each would feel a stunning blow Precious, too, are those solid friendships which are now formed to withstand the shocks of time and trial, and which are no mean substitutes for married life when from various causes that is unattainable. Such is the friendship so finely described by Dr. Johnson: Friendship, peculiar boon of Heaven, The noble mind's delight and guide; While love, unknown among the blest, Directress of the brave and just, O guide us through life's darksome way! And let the tortures of mistrust, On selfish bosoms only prey. Nor shall thine ardour cease to glow Shall aid our happiness above. In Greece, especially in Illyria and Epirus, it has been no uncommon thing for persons of the same sex to bind themselves to eternal friendship by a religious ceremonial. The Greek Church contains a ritual to consecrate this vow. The knightly friendships of the Middle Ages were very remarkable, and presented the most affecting examples of personal devotedness. It is in the power of us all to cultivate true friendship, and so greatly add to the happiness of our lives. There is a power to make each hour Several birthday poems of friendship have been quoted under Early Life; the following are entertaining effusions, complimenting ladies of middle age, the intimate friends of the eminent writers : IMPROMPTU ON MRS. RIDDLE'S BIRTHDAY, Old Winter, with his frosty beard, To bear this hated doom severe ? : My dismal months no joys are crowning, That brilliant gift will so enrich me, Spring, Summer, Autumn cannot match me." ""Tis done!" says Jove. So ends my story, And Winter once rejoiced in glory. BURNS. Impromptu to Mrs. Thrale on her 35th birth day : Oft in danger, yet alive, We are come to thirty-five; Time his hours should never drive O'er the bounds of thirty-five. High to soar and deep to dive Nature gives at thirty-five. Ladies! stock and tend Trifle not at thirty-five; your hive; For, howe'er we boast and strive, He that ever hopes to thrive And all who wisely wish to wive This impromptu was spoken to the lady by Dr. Johnson, without half a minute's reflection. The rhymes terminating every alternate line run in alphabetical order exactly. |