THE LILY OF THE VALLEY. WHITE bud! that in meek beauty so dost lean, White bud! thou'rt emblem of a lovelier thing,- To silent shades, and there sits offering CROLY. MY NATIVE VALE. DEAR is my little native vale, The ring-dove builds and murmurs there; To every passing villager. The squirrel leaps from tree to tree, And shells his nuts at liberty. In orange groves and myrtle bowers, The shepherd's horn at break of day, ROGERS. AFTER THE DRAWING-ROOM. THE drawing-room is over, and I have seen the king! I'm very sure my head is turn'd, and won't come right this spring: I positively can't take off my feathers and my train, I never look'd so well before, and never may again. I heard a lady to a lord complaining of the crowd, And say, "What common people come!-I wonder they're allow'd!" Of course that wasn't meant for me, though father did sell cheese; Since brother made a noble match, I'll go there when I please. And I was ornamented too, nobody look'd so fine, I did not see one gown or train that look'd the least like mine; I'm sure I had more colours on, than anybody there, Green, red, and yellow mingled, and blue feathers in my hair. Then some one came and took my train, and spread it out behind, Just as a peacock spreads his tail; I thought it very kind: And seeing 't was a nice young man, dress'd out in gold and blue, I said, "I thank you kindly, sir-I'd do as much for you." They led me to his majesty-I thought I would have dropp'd, He held his hand out friendly like, and kiss'd me when I stopp'd; And there the king and I were standing, face to face together, I said, "How is your majesty ?-it's mighty pleasant weather." And then the people push'd me on! I did n't half like that I'm sure the king had half a mind to bid me stop and chat; But looking on, I saw the queen! I'm sure I hope and trust She didn't see the king kiss me! and yet I think she must. I curtsey'd to her majesty, the proper thing to do, And seeing ladies standing round, I curtsey'd to them too; I honour maids of honour so, I wish'd to be polite, And the queen and all the ladies smiled, which proved that I was right. I knew (though ne'er at court before!) well what I was about Of course I did not turn my back, but tried to sidle out; But walking, I tripp'd up and fell-(they make their trains so big!) And, catching at the first thing near, pull'd off a lady's wig! And then I fainted dead away!-a dreadful thing to do Until I found myself at home, no earthly thing I knew! I've graced a court! indeed I'll add by way of being witty, "Twas in a court that father lived-a back court in the city! BAYLEY. WAS I RIGHT, OR WAS I NOT? WAS I right, or was I not? The age exact I cannot tell, Away I sparkled in the ring; And soon was known as false and fair: Oh! 't is a dear delightful thing When first we make a swain despair. There was young Frederick all on fire, Who vow'd and swore-I know not what Of course I left him to expire. Was I right, or was I not? Dear me! I felt a trifle sad, When all cried out "what have you done!" For, sure enough, I loved the lad: But who'd take up with number one? So vive l'amour! I gaily cried, And he, poor wretch, was soon forgot, For I'd a hundred sparks beside. Some shook their heads, but I had skill: A long gay train I led away; Young Cupid sure was in the plot; But now 't is come into my head But ah! though gladly I'd say "Yes," Not one is left of all the lot, And I'm a "maiden all forlorn!" Is it right, or is it not? ANON. THE DYING SPEECH OF FALIERO. I SPEAK to Time and to Eternity, I hasten, let my voice be as a spirit Upon you! Ye blue waves! which bore my banner, Reek up to Heaven! Ye skies which will receive it! Thou sun! which shinest on these things, and Thou! Who kindlest and who quenchest suns!-attest: |