1626.] Leaves Torn out of a Common-Place- Doo/c, 287 



are, heaven knows, too easily obtained, yet we refuse him the choice 

 of one of his own persuasion, whose natural influence would render 

 him less likely to be the tool of his constituents. Thus ungraciously 

 and perversely giving what we have given in a manner unsatisfactory 

 to the lower catholic population, and offensive to those who would 

 have been least likely to abuse our favours. 



The same inconsistency of conduct is as striking though less mis- 

 chievous in our treatment of 



Protestant Dissenters. Every one of common information, knows 

 that the test act is virtually repealed by the law renewed from year 

 to year, which indemnifies all persons for having exectited certain offices 

 without having taken the sacrament according to the form of the Church 

 of England ; and that under the protection of this annual act, dis- 

 senters fill offices in corporations, and sit in parliament and in the 

 cabinet. Here again we grant the right, yet give the receiver an 

 excuse for ingratitude, by our ungracious mode of conferring it. 



\V. S. R. 



THE DEATH-BED. 



'TwAS the soft season of departing da}', 



And the light breezes with their fragrant breath 



Gave double sweetness to the eve of May, 

 And waved in wanton sport tlie woodbine wreath. 



That shaded a low casement, where the ray 

 Of western glory, entering, stole beneath 



The blossomed branches, and upon the bed 



Of death, a bright and trembling radiance shed ; 



And gave a touching and unearthly grace 

 To features that retained much loveliness, 



Although imprinted with the mournful trace 

 Of that deep grief, no language could express ; 



Whose withering touch had early from her face 



Stol'n the sweet smiles — yet you might aptly guess 



What they had been, by the angelic air, 



That, e'en in life's last struggles, lingered there. 



And there was beauty on that faded brow, 



Which, though her mortal sufferings might impair. 



They could not banish — and its tintless snow, 

 Was well contrasted by the raven hair. 



That fell in negligent, disordered flow. 

 O'er the pale cheek so exquisitely fair — 



On which one fluttered, hectic spot alone. 



Told that it was not formed of Parian stone. 



One white and wasted hand of faultless mould. 

 Pillowed her cheek, the other lifelessly 



Rested beside her, damp, relaxed and cold ; 

 The book of holy writ lay open nigh, 



As it had fallen from her powerless hold, 

 And the dim glances of her failing eye • 



Appeared attracted by the sinking sun. 



Whose earthly race, like her's, was almost run. 



Who would have deemed the form so calm and still. 

 That in such pulseless languor rested now. 



