Poor Humanty. 



The following | try was found in the pocketbook of the lute G. H. Laughlin. 



More than half a century since the following lines were found in the Royal College of 

 Surgeons, London, beside a skeleton, remarkable for its symmetry of form. They were sub- 

 sequently published in the London Morning Chronicle, and a vain effort made to ascertain 



tuthor, even offering a reward of fifty guineas. 



I. 



Behold this ruin! 'Twas a skull 

 < Mice of ethereal spirit full. 



This narrow cell was Life's retreat, 

 This space was Thought's mysterious seat. 

 \\ hat beauteous visions filled this spot 

 With dreams of pleasures long forgot ! 



Nor hope, nor joy, nor love, nor fear. 

 Have left one trace of record here. 



II. 



Beneath this moulding canopy 



( dice shone the bright and busy eye. 



But start not at the dismal void! 



If social love that eye emplox >'d; 



If with no lawless fire it gleamed, 



Hut through the dews of kindness beamed, 



That eye shall be forever bright 



When sun and stars are sunk in night. 



111. 



Within this hollow cavern hung 

 The ready, swift and tuneful tongue. 

 If Falsehood's honey it disdained. 

 And when it could not praise was chain* 

 If bold in Yin lie's cause it spoke, 



^ et gentle concord never broke 



Thai silent tongue shall plead lor thee, 



\\ hen time unveils eternitv! 



[V. 



Say, did these lingers delve the mine, 

 ( )r with the envied ruby shine? 

 To hew the rock or wear t he gem, 

 ( 'an little now avail to them. 

 Hut if the page of truth they sought, 

 ( >r comfort to the mourner brought — 

 These hands a richer meed shall claim 

 Than all who wait on Weal or fame. 



Avails it whether bare 01 shod, 

 These feet the path of duty trod'.' 

 If from the bowers of ease they lied. 

 To seek Affliction's humble shed; 

 If Grandeur's guilty bribe they Spurned, 

 And home to Virtue's cot returned 

 These feet with angel's wings shall vie. 

 And tread the palace of the skies. 



Anonymi m - 



