Readings with My Pencil, No. 2. is a fine article in the manner of Colton. A true sentiment well expressed is contained in the concluding words: "I am one of those who are best when most afflicted. While the weight hangs heavily, I keep time and measure, like a clock; but remove it, and all the springs and wheels move irregularly, and I am but a mere useless thing."
Halley's Comet——so, so.
Epimanes. By Edgar A. Poe—an historical tale in which, by imaginary incidents, the character of Antiochus Epiphanes is vividly depicted. It differs essentially from all the other tales of Mr. Poe. Indeed no two of his articles bear more than a family resemblance to one another. They all differ widely in matter, and still more widely in manner. Epimanes will convince all who read it that Mr. P. is capable of even higher and better things.
To Helen—by the same author—a sonnet full of quiet grace—we quote it in full.
| Helen, thy beauty is to me Like those Nicean barks of yore That, gently, o'er a perfum'd sea, The weary, wayworn wanderer bore To his own native shore. On desperate seas long wont to roam, Thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face, Thy Naiad airs have brought me home To the beauty of fair Greece And the grandeur of old Rome. Lo! in that little window-niche How statue-like I see thee stand; The folded scroll within thy hand— Ah! Psyche from the regions which Are Holy land! |
On the Poetry of Burns. By James F. Otis—a good essay on a threadbare subject—one, too, but very lately handled in the Messenger by Larry Lyle.
Change—has some fine thoughts, for example,
| ——My little playmate crew Have slept to wake no more Till Change itself shall cease to be, And one successive scene Of steadfastness immutable Remain where Change hath been. |
Manual Labor Schools—By the Rev. E. F. Stanton is an essay which, while we disagree with it in some of its results, will serve to convince any one of the absolute importance of exercise to men of sedentary habits or occupations.
Song of Lee's Legion—very spirited verses.