George (about to enjoy the first new-laid Egg from the recently set-up Fowl-house). "WHY—CONF—THEY'VE BOILED THE PORCELAIN NEST-EGG!"


A SONNET OF VAIN DESIRE.

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS.

As when th' industrious windmill vainly yearns

To pause, and scratch its swallow-haunted head,

Yet at the wind's relentless urging turns

Its flying arms in wild appeal outspread;

So am I vex'd by vain desire, that burns

These barren places whence the hair hath fled,