THE LOVE-LETTER "J'ai vu les mœurs de mon tems, et j'ai publié cette lettre." -LA NOUVELLE Héloïse. IF F this should fail, why then I scarcely know What could succeed. Here's brilliancy (and banter), Byron ad lib., a chapter of Rousseau ; If this should fail, then tempora mutantur; Style's out of date, and love, as a profession, Acquires no aid from beauty of expression. "The men who think as I, I fear, are few," (Cynics would say 'twere well if they were fewer); I am not what I seem,"-(indeed, 'tis true; Though, as a sentiment, it might be newer); "Mine is a soul whose deeper feelings lie More deep than words”—(as these exemplify). "I will not say when first your beauty's sun Illumed my life,”—(it needs imagination); "For me to see you and to love were one," (This will account for some precipitation); "Let it suffice that worship more devoted Ne'er throbbed," et cetera. The rest is quoted. "If Love can look with all-prophetic eye,❞— (Ah, if he could, how many would be single!) "If truly spirit unto spirit cry," (The ears of some most terribly must tingle !) "Then I have dreamed you will not turn your face." This next, I think, is more than commonplace. "Why should we speak, if Love, interpreting, Forestall the speech with favour found before? Why should we plead? - it were an idle thing, If Love himself be Love's ambassador!" Blot, as I live! Shall we erase it? No ; 'Twill show we write currente calamo. "My fate, my fortune, I commit to you,❞— (In point of fact, the latter's not extensive); "Without you I am poor indeed," — (strike through, 'Tis true but crude-'twould make her appre hensive); "My life is yours-I lay it at your feet," "Give me the right to stand within the shrine, Where never yet my faltering feet intruded; Give me the right to call you wholly mine,”(That is, Consols and Three-per-Cents included); "To guard your rest from every care that cankers, To keep your life," (and balance at your banker's) "Compel me not to long for your reply; Suspense makes havoc with the mind (and muscles); "Winged Hope takes flight"-(which means that I must fly, Default of funds, to Paris or to Brussels); "I cannot wait! My own, my queen PRISCILLA ! Write by return." And now for a Manila ! "Miss Blank," at "Blank." Jemima, let it go; And I, meanwhile, will idle with "Sir Walter"; Stay, let me keep the first rough copy, though— 'Twill serve again. There's but the name to alter ; And Love,—that starves,—must knock at every portal, In formâ pauperis. We are but mortal! 1872. A VIRTUOSO BE seated, pray. "A grave appeal”? The sufferers by the war, of course; Ah, what a sight for us who feel,— "And worse," you say; "the wide distress !" Alas, 'tis true distress exists, Though, let me add, our worthy Press Have no mean skill as colourists; Speaking of colour, next your seat There hangs a sketch from Vernet's hand; Some Moscow fancy, incomplete, Yet not indifferently planned; |