existence would be a blank, unless shared with the object of his adoration, and, gracefully kneeling, tremblingly implored to hear the little "yes," for which he sighed. He made love Like a gentleman and an orator, and in the spirit and with the voice of an orator. Mrs. (name of person's wife,) answered "Yes!" Didn't she, Mr. ? (Appealing to the person.) Will. Well, it may be very well to study the art of oratory for an occasion like that; but over there, in District No. they never make any such fusses. John. No, they never show their hands in that district. I expect they are afraid. But, William, there are many occasions when a man may be called on to express his views, and he should be prepared, as far as study can prepare, tỏ do himself and his cause honor. Few are so gifted but they can borrow advantages from education. peo Will. You can talk better than I can, John; but there is no use in your standing there and trying to convince the ple that I am in earnest in opposing school exhibitions. John. Not in earnest? of a question just for fun? Mr. You espouse the unpopular side You are more self-sacrificing than (name of some town officer,) was, when he run for office the last time. Will. I did it in order to give you an opportunity to talk. Unless you have an opponent, how are you to dispute? John. I don't know what to think about your being in fun. You said you were not in earnest when Mr. (teacher,) caught you burning his willow wand. You thought he intended to use it for your benefit, and not as a pointer for the black-board. Were you in fun that time, eh? Will. I acknowledge that I-- we have all been guilty — of little deviations from the strict line of duty. John. I hope that none of us have been guilty of doing wrong, and that as often as exhibition day comes, we may be recognized as having been attentive to our teacher and our duties. Good-by, William. Will. Good-by, John. Remember how Miss you the mitten, and don't try it again. John. I won't-good-by. gave NOTE. To make it amusing, the names to be used in this dialogue should not be made known previous to the exhibition. The names of persons present should be fixed upon, if possible. CATILINE TO HIS FRIENDS, AFTER FAILING IN HIS ELECTION TO THE CONSULSHIP. REV. GEORGE CROLY. Are there not times, Patricians, when great States Than a foul dungeon's like the glorious sky. To rid the other realms of pestilence! Ye wait to hail me Consul? Consul! Look on me- on this brow― these hands; I had no chance; wherefore should I be Consul? Why not? He's made for them, and they for him; They want a sycophant, and he wants slaves. Patricians! they have pushed me to the gulf; The very men with whom I walked through life, This day, as if the heavens had stamped me black, Roman no more! The rabble of the streets Have seen me humbled; slaves may gibe at me! That chance or nature lays upon our heads In chance or nature, there is found a cure! But self-abasement is beyond all cure! The brand is here, burned in the living flesh, That bears its mark to the grave; that dagger's plunged Into the central pulses of the heart; The act is the mind's suicide, for which There is no after-health, no hope, no pardon! CATILINE'S DEFIANCE. REV. GEORGE CROLY. Banished from Rome! What's banished, but set free my head? It breaks my chain! this hour; From daily contact of the things I loathe? Smile on, my lords; But here I stand and scoff you! here I fling "Traitor!" I go; but I return. This trial! Here I devote your Senate! I've had wrongs To stir a fever in the blood of age, Or make the infant's sinews strong as steel. This day's the birth of sorrow! This hour's work Will breed proscriptions! Look to your hearths, my lords! Naked Rebellion, with the torch and ax, And Massacre seals Rome's eternal grave. I go; but when I come, 't will be the burst Of ocean in the earthquake, -- rolling back In swift and mountainous ruin. Fare you well! You build my funeral-pile; but your best blood Shall quench its flame! REMORSE. SHAKSPEARE. O, my offense is rank, it smells to Heaven; And what's in prayer, but this two-fold force,- Or pardoned, being down? Then I'll look up; |