248 THE ABSENT. 



The gains of the convicts during the last year averaged 29 cents, 

 or Is. 2^d. sterling per day, some of them earning as much as 50 

 cents, and others not more than 15 cents per day. The amount 

 was sufficient to defray the annual expense, including the whole 

 salaries of the keepers, inspectors, the guard, and all other officers. 

 The keepers have no doubt that the earnings will increase in sub- 

 sequent years, — many of the workmen who are under sentences 

 of long confinement having, from practice, become much more 

 perfect in their trades and occupations. The convicts are never, 

 on any pretext whatever, permitted to work on their own account, 

 nor tOTCceive any food, except the prison fare. Neither fermented 

 liquor of any kind, nor tobacco, are allowed to be brought within 

 the precincts of the prison. Nothing is bought or sold within its 

 walls, so far as the prisoners are in any way concerned, except 

 their labour. 



Stuart's "America.*' 



THE ABSENT. 



On the wild sea a bark is floating far, — 

 There too my heart is o'er the billows driven ; 



In the dim sky shines out one trembling star. 

 To bid my anxious thoughts repose on heaven. 



Wild waves, roll gently ! for that youth who sails 

 On yoiir rough surge, is all on earth I prize ; 



Ah, woe is me ! how feebly love avails. 



Hoarse blow the winds, and hoarser ye arise ! 



Oh ! yet a little space the storm 'forbear ! 



For faith's dear sake this fearful hour control ! 

 Alas ! how like your troubled deeps, doth care 



Stir up the dark recesses of my soul. 



Some gentle power, some Angel of the skies, 

 Send down thy calming spirit from above; 



Ah me ! what terrors fright these sleepless eyes. 

 What fearful thoughts distract tlie heart of love ! 



U.S. 



I 



