2i6 The Auurican Angkr. 



every condition, conducive to their laurel and the virginal forest; in its 



propagation and growth, is to be found noisy rapids, its bubbling shoals, its 



in its deep, eddying pools, studded with cold, crystal springs, and its dark, 



boulders; in its longer and quieter shaded tributaries, 

 stretches, shaded by the ever present 



THE POOL BEYOND. 



BY SHANNON BLAIRE. 



The air is balmy and the day is bright. 

 All nature's in a mood to set one wishing 



And idly conning joys that most delight ; 

 I choose the pleasantest, to go a-fishing. 



Unclasping book to scan my cherished flies, 

 I mutter words tinheard in glad oration ; 



It. is, indeed, a man supremely wise, 

 Who, silent, suffers angling adoration. 



Partaken by his wife, who fills the breach, 

 ( Observe I do not use the sound in plural) 



Whose generoiis heart her gracious fingers teach 

 To hook a feathered thank on every rural. 



But, then, enough are left for day of sport, 

 And let us hope the sturdy bass are rising ; 



They'll scarcely sulk on day of such a sort. 

 Or scorn the killing lures of my devising. 



Now hear her wish me lucky speed, dear heart, 

 Who lavishes my store with hand ungrudging, 



But fills my pockets, with a woman's art. 



Against the weariness of homeward trudging. 



I leave her side of every hope possessed, 

 Save one — I'm unacquainted with location; 



The streams are new, but I'll ne'er be depressed 

 Like novice entering a strange vocation. 



With bouyant step, I reach the vaunted stream. 

 And put my artful casts in graceful motion, 



That fall as light!}' as a downy dream, 

 Sent forth the spirit of a pure devotion. 



