DICKENS. 409- 



Ah ! here is Pip in churchyard bounds, 

 As day grows dim and dimmer, 



Trying to con life's early tasks. 

 With tombstones for his primer. 



And convict Magwitch shuffles by, 



I hear his chain's harsh clangor ; 

 While henpecked Gargery plods along, 



Lashed by his shrew-wife's anger; 

 And ponderous Orlick, holding tight 



His murderous blacksmith hammer ; 

 And cautious Wemmick, and the "Aged' 



His ears so proof to clamor. 



And weird Miss Havisham appears. 

 And convict-born Estella ; 



A shame she e'er should wed our Pip- 

 He was too nice a fellow\ 



Another group : "Our Mutual Friend" 

 Stands forth in outlines splendid ; 



Who gave up fortune — lived unknown. 

 To test a wife intended. 



And ox-like Boffin, with his mate, 



Who made such tilts at fashion ; 

 And literary Wegg, who had 



For poetry such passion ; 

 And Gaffer and Rogue Riderhood, 



With callings so unholy ; 

 And bony Venus— Jenny Wren ; 



The Jew so meek and lowly. 



And Eugene Wrayburn ! how could he 

 E'er marry Gaffer's daughter? 



Such fearful price for being pulled 

 By her from out the water ; 



