In the calm evenings cawed by clouds of rooks, In distance-haze to a blue rim of hills, Upon whose heads came down the closing sky. PICTURES. THE lark is singing in the blinding sky, Hedges are white with May. The bridegroom sea Is toying with the shore, his wedded bride, He decorates her tawny brow with shells, Retires a space, to see how fair she looks, -One nymph slumbering lay, A sweet dream 'neath her eyelids, her white limbs Sinking full softly in the violets dim; When timbrelled troops rushed past with branches green. One in each fountain, riched with golden sands, With her delicious face a moment seen, And limbs faint gleaming through their watery veil, Whose blood leapt madly when the trumpets brayed To joyous battle 'mid a storm of steeds, Won a rich kingdom on a battle-day; But in the sunset he was ebbing fast, Ringed by his weeping lords. His left hand held. Which fled, and shrieked through all the other world, "Ye dead! my master comes!" And there was pause Till the great Shade should enter. PHILIP JAMES BAILEY. A SUMMER NIGHT. THE last high upward slant of sun on the trees, Oh! I could weep to see the day die thus; Fan it to slumber with your golden wings! With all its little tyrannous things and deeds, Straight-like an infant's spirit, or a mocked And mourning messenger of Grace to man. Would it had taken me too on its wing! Who that hath lain lonely on a high hill, With nothing but the clear dark sky about him, SHERIDAN KNOWLES. THE APPEAL AND THE REPROOF. JULIA AND MASTER WALTER. Walter. What! run the waves so high? Not ready yet! Your lord will soon be here! The guests collect. Julia. Show me some way to 'scape these nuptials! Do it! Some opening for avoidance or escape,— |