Why should Damis, who acts now and then Respectably, try a new art? He has ventured a drama to pen With an eye, it is true, to his part; The mode is to praise it; to-day You'll shout with the groundlings, Encore! Now look at it well while you may; Very soon you will see it no more! The world is a mightier stage, Where actors more capable mix, And the gaping spectators engage By deeper theatrical tricks: The comedy ends, and away Vanish kings, clowns, buffoons, from the floor: Now look at them well while you may; Very soon you will see them no more! For a song, these reflections of mine So fill me a bumper of wine, To teach me a merrier tone; And be it champagne or toquay, Very soon you will see it no more! ARMAND GOUFFE.-I.a Lanterne Magique. EPIGRAM. YOUR lawyer seek; if he affirms Your case is good-without a flaw- 7. B. ROUSSEAU.-Épigramme. ANOTHER. 'KEEP silence there, constable,' cried A judge: 'it is really absurd; Here's the tenth case to-day I have tried Without ever hearing a word!' BARRATON.-Epigramme. THE DONKEY'S COMFORT. I'VE nothing choice about me, Am dull, mis-shapen, coarse, Devoid of pith and force; Men jeer at me and flout me, And shun me, young and old; I'm neither hot nor cold. I've nothing choice about me, Am dull, mis-shapen, coarse, For fodder, straw's dealt out me; I'm thwacked without remorse : Ah, cruel Nature fashioned me all wrong; CLAUDIUS.-Des Esels Trost. LOVE IN DISGUISE. THE trammels of a fond delusion I fling for ever from my heart : O Love, the joy of thy illusion A thousand hours of trouble grieve us, But Friendship-man's divinest treasureThrice happy who can thee attain ! 'Tis thine to rival Love in pleasure Unmarred by any of his pain. G |