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

Are a trifle severe, I must own;

So fill me a bumper of wine,

To teach me a merrier tone; And be it champagne or toquay,

I will sing as I sang heretofore : Now look at it well while you may;

Very soon you will see it no more!

ARMAND GOUFFÉ.-1.a Lanterne Magique. EPIGRAM.

a

Your lawyer seek; if he affirms

Your case is good—without a flawFind your opponent, come to terms :

If you've no merits, go to law.

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.-Épigramme.

THE DONKEYS 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 ;
She gave me nothing-but the gift of song!

CLAUDIUS.-Des Esels Trost.

I fling for ever from my

heart: O Love, the joy of thy illusion

Is great, but greater is the smart

A thousand hours of trouble grieve us,

To gain from thee a moment kind; Thy lively transports quickly leave us,

And sharp repentance stays behind.

But Friendship-man's divinest treasure

Thrice happy who can thee attain ! 'Tis thine to rival Love in pleasure

Unmarred by any of his pain.