temper of the second; nor, indeed, did they often meet without a quarrel. Nevertheless, they had many points of resemblance in their characters and fortunes. Both were inclined to harshness, and rigid in command; both prone to disobedience, yet exacting entire submission from inferiors; and they were alike ambitious and craving of glory. They both possessed decided military talents, were enterprising and intrepid, yet neither were remarkable for skill in handling troops under fire. This, also, they had in common, that both, after distinguished services, perished in arms, fighting gallantly, and being celebrated as generals of division while living, have, since their death, been injudiciously spoken of, as rivalling their great leader in war.

Napier.

XXIV.

Into PROSE, literally rendered.

To Picton indeed and Crawfurd there was scarcely such a disposition that they could accomplish anything together cordially. To the former there was a stern countenance, vigorous body, swart complexion, speech somewhat biting, and a severe bearing. But all these (qualities) very little agreed with the obese form of the other, his flashing eyes, and motions at once and feelings excited. Nor indeed, except quarrelling, did they often come together. Yet in themselves and in their fortunes there was what we may compare. Each was too fierce, and in commanding severe, not so fit to obey, although they exacted obedience from those placed under them; they were ambitious alike and eager for glory. In military art both excelled; they were keen and fearless; neither however. skilfully drew out their soldiers in the very battle-line. This moreover they had in common, that, when they had gloriously

achieved very many things, they perished in battle bravely fighting. And whereas when living they had deserved excellently as lieutenants, after death they have been inconsiderately bepraised, as though they were to be accounted a match in warfare for their Commander himself.

XXV.

Now the golden Morn aloft

Waves her dew-bespangled wing,
With vermil cheek and whisper soft
She wooes the tardy Spring:
Till April starts, and calls around
The sleeping fragrance from the ground;
And lightly o'er the living scene
Scatters his freshest, tenderest green.

New-born flocks, in rustic dance,

Frisking ply their feeble feet;
Forgetful of their wintry trance

The birds his presence greet:
But chief, the sky-lark warbles high
His trembling thrilling ecstasy;
And, lessening from the dazzled sight,
Melts into air and liquid light.

Rise, my soul! on wings of fire,

Rise the rapt'rous choir among;

Hark! 'tis Nature strikes the lyre,

And leads the general song:

Borne up on wings dripping with dew Aurora shines in the bright sky, and with gentle whisper and purple mouth salutes the tardy Spring. After her April calls forth the scents buried in the inmost bosom of the ground, through the verdant fields of the plain he renews the wonted hues. And the nurslings of the country with manifold foot essay to play their innocent play; forgetful of their wintry lethargy the birds celebrate his return. Moreover the voice of the lark from the heaven testifies its inward gladness by shrill note; upwards through the melting air itself less, still less, it soars. Now, now, O my soul arise, on wings of fire arise; mingle yourself in the bands to which Nature with sounding plectrum chants a glorious hymn. As the sun now glows with renewed rays, so let ardour glow in the strings of the lyre, and through the vernal groves may it bestow love, Harmony, health.

XXVI.

Day melts into the night,
The night into the morning;
Darkness swallowing the light,
Light from the dark dawning:

So melts knowledge into mystery,
The solemn dark of stars;

So from the obscure arises wisdom,

With dewy fragrant airs.

Be there for us to-day these twilights two,
That we may view,

As the earth darkens, heavenly hopes appear;
As the heaven brightens, earthly things grow clear.
Lynch (Theophilus Trinal) Diarium-Sunday.

Into ELEGIACS.

XXVI.

Day about to perish is now passing into the shade of night, and the season of night finished morning returns. The increasing darkness absorbed the waning light; and in turn light about to rise comes from the darkness. So the things which men know will abide as mysteries, hidden wonders among the starry ways. What was obscure, hence true wisdom grows; that a mystic odour breathes over our senses. But of night and of day now may two twilights arise; may the first, the last, be open before my eyes. Shadows brood upon the earth, in hope I am uplifted to the stars; in the light of the sky, the light beneath shines the more increased.

XXVII.

Delightful day it is for all who dwell

In this secluded glen, and eagerly

They give it welcome. Long ere heat of noon,
From byre or field the kine were brought; the sheep

Are penn'd in cotes; the chaffering is begun.
The heifer lows, uneasy at the voice

Of a new master; bleat the flocks aloud.
Booths are there none; a stall or two is here;

A lame man and a blind-the one to beg,
The other to make music; hither, too,
From far, with basket, slung upon her arm,

Of hawker's wares-books, pictures, combs and pins-
Some aged woman finds her way again,

Year after year, a punctual visitant!

XXVII.

Wordsworth,

Into HEXAMETERS.

The festive day was at hand for all the rustics from the retired vale, the simple neighbourhood rejoice in its return. When not yet the Sun excessive has put forth its mid heat, the oxen are collected from the stalls and meadows, and the sheep are enclosed in pens-now the bartering grows rife. The cow utters lowings, which a new purchaser possesses, impatient of the unwonted voice; the lambs with their mothers fill the streets around with continual bleatings. Not tents arise there; but a few stalls offer entertainment. A lame with a blind man will traverse the crowd as companions; the one that he may beg a penny, the other ceases not to waste his wretched strain. Hither, too, comes aged Baucis, with basket hung upon her arm, from which she may vend her cheap wares to the jerkin-clad rabble-pictures, books, and needles mixed with the comb-as the holiday is renewed, the months of the year being completed, she returns ever seen the attendant of the crowd.

E