~Lines to a Monkey.~
(After reading Darwin.)
It seems quite funny to reflect,
And yet what else could we expect
(If Darwin's true),
That my primeval grandmamma
And prehistoric grandpapa
Looked just like you.
How any one could ever see
Relationship 'twixt you and me
I can't explain.
You're such an awkward little beast,
Your features are (to say the least)
So very plain.
And since the rule's considered poor
That doesn't work both ways, I'm sure
As I can be,
That ages hence, if earth endures,
Some distant relative of yours
Will look like me.
HENRY RUTGERS CONGER. Williams Literary Monthly.
~Hymns Ancient And Modern.~
ANCIENT.
Complexion like the winter snow,
Just tinted by the sunset glow,
Throat white as alabaster,
Teeth of pearl, and hair of gold,
And figure—sure in Venus's mould
Th' immortal gods have east her.
And I am proud her slave to be,
And deem it high felicity
To die, if she should will it so.
Ye fates! to-night propitious be,
For I approach divinity:
My life depends on "Yes" or "No."