TO A TEAR. 



congratulate ourselves that we have appeared on the stage before the 

 human race has dwindled into absolute pigmies, as assuredly they 

 will ; and, though we cut but a sorry figure when compared to our 

 ancestors of three thousand years since, posterity, in its turn, will 

 venerate us as very formidable fellows. Let us console, therefore, 

 ourselves with the reflection, that but a few years hence, and some 

 strapping grenadier of two feet six, doing duty at anew Horse Guards, 

 not bigger than a dog-kennel, will behold with wonder the rusty 

 remains of one of our Life Guardsmen's helmets, and turn away, 

 marvelling at the strength of the heroes of those days. 



PRISMEGISTUS REDIVIVUS. 



TO A TEAR. 



FRAIL being ! tremulous and clear, 



Oft on the cheek do'st thou appear, 

 To soothe despair, and give the heart relief ; 



Of life how many a varied feeling, 



Pure, glittering drop ! art thou revealing ? 

 Alternately the type of joy and grief ! 



Thou wer't by sin first introduced to man, 



When woman's curiosity outran 

 Discretion, and our race from Eden hurl'd : 



Great Alexander shed thee, when no state 



Remain'd for his red arm to subjugate 

 And his dread sceptre wav'd in triumph o'er the world ! 



When lovers part perhaps for ever ! 



Thou mark'st the moment when they sever ; 

 And when fond plighted bosoms meet, 



Their passion pure thou can'st express 



More truly than can words confess, 

 For then thou'rt from the heart, and scorn'st deceit. 



'Mid wasting wars, and carnage dread, 



When by a hero thou art shed, 

 Thou add'st a jewel to his crown of fame ; 



But oh ! how different the tear 



That speaks the recreant coward's fear 

 At once his badge of infamy and shame ! 



When "dew-eyed Pity" gives thee birth, 



There's not a sparkling gem of earth 

 Can half thy lustre borrow ; 



And all thy loveliness we see, 



When thou art shed by Sympathy 

 Upon the breast of Sorrow ! 



