THINGS OF BEAUTY. KEATS. A THING of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. A flowery band to bind us to the earth, Ar endless fountain of immortal drink, Nor do we merely feel these essences Haunt us till they become a cheering light CONTRASTS.. A short June nignt, now brightening fast to dawn; Lies prostrate in his youth and manhood's pride. A bird's sweet carol, entering glad and shrill, A bird that sings of Hope, when Hope has fled; “Weep on—and watch! but I shall sing as sweet O little bird! how tuneful was that lay, That fell so bitterly on mourner's ears; Yet it was summer--and what tongue will say; ""Twere well if Nature too could share our tears!" THROUGH NIGHT TO LIGHT. A. LAIGHTON. Thy love, dear heart, till closed thy lengthened years, Illumed my being with its tender flame. It was no flickering light that went and came, Constant it shone through varying hopes and fears, Undimmed by sorrow and unquenched by tears. Though it hath vanished from the earth away, And left a deeper shadow on the day, Death does not hide it; for, as one who peers Into the dark, bewildered, and descries A guiding lamp within the casement set, Knowing it homeward leads his weary feet, So I, with yearning heart and wistful eyes, As in a vision wonderful and sweet, Beyond the grave behold it shining yet. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. GOETHE. What makes the time run short? Hands with no work to do. What makes the glowing gold? The stroke that is quick and bold. What man stands near the throne? The man who can hold his own. |