Part 4 (1/2)

Of Cochran, I but little knew, He was a stranger here, 'Twas always said he would get blue, And acted very queer.

Montgomery I knew right well, He was rather kind than cross, He taught the willing how to spell, And always would be boss.

He wrote a very pretty hand And could command a school: His appet.i.te got the command, And that he could not rule.

One day he took a heavy slug Of something rather hot; He took that something from a jug, And shortly he was not.

Who ”took” him, though, I never can Nor need I ever say; But when the Lord doth take a man, 'Tis seldom done that way.

Poor Humphreys was a sort of crank (Folks said his learning made him mad,) But this I know, he always drank, And that will make the best man, bad.

Excuse this rather long digression, My pen has carried me astray; These schoolboy days make an impression From which 'tis hard to get away.

Then let me turn, and return too, For I have wandered from my text,-- Well, Mr. Steele, how do you do?

I hope you are not vexed.

'Tis pleasant in our riper years To have our children come And bring their children--little dears, They make it seem like home.

An old man's children are his crown, And you may well be proud When from your throne you just look down Upon this hopeful crowd.

But now my neighbors dear, adieu; ”The best of friends must part;”

I'll often kindly think of you, And treasure each one in my heart;

And if we never meet again On this poor frozen clod, O! may we meet to part no more Around the throne of G.o.d.

TO MARY.

The following lines suggested by the beautiful story of the sisters, Martha and Mary of Bethany, (Luke, 10:38-42,) were addressed to Miss Mary M., of Wilmington, Del.

In Bethany there dwelt a maid, And she was young and very fair; 'Twas at her house that Jesus stayed, And loved to stay, when he was there.

For Mary seated at his feet, In rapture hung upon His word: His language flow'd in accent sweet, Such language mortal never heard.

Her sister, cross in looks and word, (The cares of life have this effect,) Came and accused her, to her Lord, Of idleness and of neglect.

”Martha, Martha,” He kindly said, Forego thy troubles and thy care-- One needful thing, a crust of bread, Is all I ask with thee to share.

”Mary hath chosen that good part, To hear my word and do my will, Which shall not from her trusting heart Be taken.” It shall flourish still.

Dear Mary, in this picture see Thy own, drawn by a master hand; Name, face and character agree Drawn by Saint Luke, an artist grand.

IMPROMPTU

TO MRS. ANNA C. BAKER.

Composed in the top of a cherry tree when the wind was blowing a gale.

In fis.h.i.+ng for men, I should judge from your looks You've always had biters enough at your hooks.