I844-54- CAMERA OBSCCJRA. 241 



distress yourself with the thought that I deserve any great 

 amount of compassion or sympathy. I deserve, indeed, 

 rather a severe reproof for my inconsiderateness in allowing 

 a queer fish to tempt me to forget that I was not so good at 

 clambering over walls as formerly. As we shall soon be 

 with you, and will write every day, I hope you will not 

 allow this accident to discompose you. I. shall be up 

 walking in a couple of days, and will probably be in general 

 health all the better that I shall be utterly unable for a week 

 or two to make use of my pen hand." 



Another note to her, says : 



" DEAR MOTHER, I hope to be with you in a week. To- 

 morrow I shall send" you some verses I made to help me 

 through the night. They are nothing particular." 



The verses were the following : 



CAMERA OBSCURA. 



Silent, dimly-lighted chamber 



Where the sick man lies, 

 Death and Life are keenly fighting 



For the doubtful prize, 

 While strange visions pass before 



His unslumbering eyes. 



Few of free will cross thy threshold ; 



No one longs to linger there ; 

 Gloomy are thy walls and portal ; 



Dreariness is in the air ; 

 Pain is holding there high revel, 



Waited on by Fear and Care. 



Yet, thou dimly-lighted chamber, 



From thy depths, I ween, 

 Things on earth, and things in heaven, 



Better far are seen, 

 Than in brightest broad daylight 



They have often been. 



