THE TWO MULES*. 293 



This consideration, however, belongs to the physiognomist; it is 

 sufficient here to have noticed the general use which poets have 

 made of the intelligent language of the eyes ; " the speaking eyes," 

 as Miss Sheridan terms them 



** I do not love thee ! yet thy speaking eyes, 



With their deep bright and most expressive blue, 

 Between me and the midnight heaven arise, 

 Oftener than any eyes I ever knew." 



But on this subject a French poet of the eighteenth century puts a 

 most significant question, to which we pause for a reply. 



" Le larigage des yeux est d'un charmant usage ; 

 A deux coeurs bien unis il offre mille appas ; 

 Mais a quoi sert ce langage, 

 Si Pun des deux ne 1'entend pas?" 



THE TWO MULES, 

 Translated from the French of La Fontaine 



Two mules were travelling one road, 

 The one was humbly charg'd with corn, 

 The treasury- cash the other's load, 

 A load with pride and pleasure borne : 

 He rang his bell, and marchM with grace, 

 Proud of his master and his place. 

 When, lo, the enemy appears ! 



A money- searching gang : 

 The treasure-bearing mule in tears, 

 They seiz'd, and straight began to bang : 

 Vain the resistance that he tried, 

 All over stabs, he groan'd and sigh'd : 

 " Is this the promise, then, of scenes so gay, 

 While fearless that poor mule holds on his way, 



To fall and here neglected die ?" 

 " Neighbour," his comrade did reply, 

 " High places are not always good, you see : 

 Had you been but a miller's mule like me, 

 You had been safe as well as I. 



M.M. No. 9. 2P 



