My head reclined at last; The darkness closed around, so dear And thus she murmur'd at my ear, "That Mister Bond has call'd again, And all the Todds are coming up I'm sure there's something going on "Miss Bell has bought the sweetest silk, "Cook, by the way, came up to-day, To bid me suit myself— And what d'ye think? the rats have gnaw'd The victuals on the shelf, And, lord! there's such a letter come, Inviting you to fight! Of course you don't intend to go God bless you, dear, good night ! " III. A PARENTAL ODE TO MY SON, AGED THREE YEARS AND FIVE MONTHS. Thou happy, happy elf! (But stop,-first let me kiss away that tear)— Thou tiny image of myself! (My love, he's poking peas into his ear!) Untouch'd by sorrow, and unsoil'd by sin- Thou little tricksy Puck! With antic toys so funnily bestuck, Light as the singing bird that wings the air(The door! the door! he'll tumble down the stair!) Thou darling of thy sire! (Why, Jane, he'll set his pinafore a-fire!) In Love's dear chain so strong and bright a link, Thou cherub-but of earth; Fit playfellow for Fays, by moonlight pale, (That dog will bite him if he pulls its tail!) Thy father's pride and hope! (He'll break the mirror with that skipping-rope !) With pure heart newly stamp'd from Nature's mint (Where did he learn that squint?) Thou young domestic dove! (He 'll have that jug off, with another shove !) Dear nurseling of the Hymeneal nest! (Are those torn clothes his best ?) Little epitome of man! (He'll climb upon the table, that's his plan !) Touch'd with the beauteous tints of dawning life(He's got a knife !) Thou enviable being! No storms, no clouds, in thy blue sky foreseeing, Toss the light ball-bestride the stick- (He's got the scissors, snipping at your gown!) Thou pretty opening rose ! (Go to your mother, child, and wipe your nose !) Balmy and breathing music like the South, (He really brings my heart into my mouth!) Fresh as the morn, and brilliant as its star, (I wish that window had an iron bar!) Bold as the hawk, yet gentle as the dove,(I'll tell you what, my love, I cannot write, unless he's sent above!) IV. A SERENADE. 66 Lullaby, oh, lullaby!" The brat will never shut an eye; "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Still he stares-I wonder why, Why are not the sons of earth "Lullaby, oh, lullaby!" Mary, you must come and try!— "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Is no poppy-syrup nigh? "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Two such nights, and I shall die! He'll be bruised, and so shall I‚— "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Sleep his very looks denyLullaby, oh, lullaby; Nature soon will stupefy My nerves relax,-my eyes grow dim- A PLAIN DIRECTION. "Do you never deviate?"-John Bull. IN London once I lost my way And ask'd a little ragged boy He gave a nod, and then a wink, "Straight down the Crooked Lane, I box'd his little saucy_ears, But since I've found that weary path I've read about a famous town Where Whittington walk'd up and found A fortune ready made. The very streets are paved with gold; But how shall I get there? 66 Straight down the Crooked Lane, And all round the Square." I've read about a Fairy Land, In some romantic tale, Where Dwarfs if good are sure to thrive My wish is great, my shoes are strong, "Straight down the Crooked Lane, I've heard about some happy Isle, And none can lie in bonds for life Oh! that's the land of Liberty! But how shall I get there? "Straight down the Crooked Lane, And all round the Square." |