Go stand where I have stood Go catch his wandering glance, and see Go hear what I have heard- As memory's feeling fount hath stirred, Have told him what he might have been Had he the drunkard's fate foreseen. Go to my mother's side And her crushed spirit cheer; Thine own deep anguish hide, Wipe from her cheek the tear; Mark her dimmed eye, her furrowed brow, And led her down from love and light, Go hear and see and feel and know All that my soul hath felt and known; Then look upon the wine-cup's glow: See if its brightness can atone; Think if its flavor you will try If all proclaimed, ""Tis drink and die." Whilst thou sittst idly dreaming among MY days among the dead are past; flowers. Write, sister, write! Write, brother, write! Around me I behold, Where'er these casual eyes are cast, The mighty minds of old: My never-failing friends are they, Strike a bold blow upon those kindred With whom I converse day by day. My hopes are with the dead; anon My place with them will be, And I with them shall travel on Through all futurity, Yet leaving here a name, I trust, And all mankind are brethren: thus 'tis That will not perish in the dust. spoken; ROBERT SOUTHEY. Therefore on every morrow are we wreathing rills That for themselves a cooling covert make 'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake, Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms; And such too is the grandeur of the dooms Nor do we merely feel these essences Haunt us till they become a cheering light They alway must be with us, or we die. JOHN KEATS. 66 Co MOLLIE MEADE. A STORY WITH TWO SIDES. I. OME right in! How are you, Fred? Find a chair, and have a light." Well, old boy, recovered yet From the Mathers' jam last night?” 'Didn't dance: the German's old." "Didn't you? I had to lead. Awful bore! But where were you?" "Sat it out with Mollie Meade : Jolly little girl she is. Said she didn't care to dance— 'D rather have a quiet chat; Then she gave me such a glance ! So, when had cleared the room you And had captured all the chairs, Having nowhere else, we two Took possession of the stairs: I was on the lower step, Mollie on the next aboveGave me her bouquet to hold, Asked me to draw off her glove. Then, of course, I squeezed her hand, Talked about my wasted life, Said my sole salvation must Be a true and gentle wife; Then, you know, I used my eyes. She believed me every word; Almost said she loved me. Jove! Such a voice I never heard! Gave me some symbolic flower; Had a meaning-oh, so sweet! Don't know what it is, I'm sure: Must have dropped it in the street. How I spooned! And she- Ha! ha! Well, I know it wasn't right, But she did believe me so That I-kissed her. Pass a light." |