SONG TO CELIA. What though, in solemn silence, all For ever singing, as they shine, "The Hand that made us is Divine." ADDISON. D Song to Celia. RINK to me only with thine eyes, Or leave a kiss but in the cup, And I'll not look for wine. The thirst that from the soul doth rise, Doth ask a drink divine; But might I of Jove's nectar sup, I sent thee late a rosy wreath, Not so much honouring thee, It could not withered be. But thou thereon didst only breathe, And sent'st it back to me : Since when it grows, and smells, I swear, Not of itself, but thee. BEN JONSON. 35 HAVE had playmates, I have had companions, [CHARLES LAMB, the genial friend of Coleridge and Southey, and the valued associate of the chief literary celebrities of the commencement of the present century, is more known by his charming "Essays of Elia" than by his rarer poctical efforts. Several of his poems are remarkable for grace and elegance. Lamb was born in 1775; passed his school days at Christ's Hospital, where he was the contemporary of Coleridge; and was afterwards employed for many years at the India House. He died in 1834.] THE OLD FAMILIAR FACES. I have been laughing, I have been carousing, I loved a love once, fairest among women; I have a friend, a kinder friend has no man; 37 Ghost-like, I paced round the haunts of my childhood, Earth seemed a desert I was bound to traverse, Seeking to find the old familiar faces. Friend of my bosom, thou more than a brother, How some they have died, and some they have left me, CHARLES LAMB. The Saviour. WAKE, sweet harp of Judah, wake, [HENRY KIRKE WHITE was one of those poets who, removed by death before their powers had become matured, are more remarkable for promise of future excellence When God's right arm is bared for war, And need no more a Hiding-place. KIRKE WHITE. than for actual achievements. Born in a lowly sphere of life, Kirke White displayed sufficient talent to attract the attention of influential friends, and to become the recipient of that questionable benefit, a sizarship at Cambridge. Overstudy, and, it is said, chagrin at adverse criticism, developed in this young genius the seeds of consumption, to which disease he fell a victim in 1806, at the age of 21 years.] |