And begged he'd tell them, if he knew, "Sir," cries the umpire, 66 cease your pother; "Well, then, at once to ease the doubt," If you don't find him black, I'll eat him." He said, then full before their sight Produced the beast, and lo! 'twas white! Both stared; the man looked wondrous wise: "My children," the chameleon cries (Then first the creature found a tongue), When next you talk of what you view, MERRICK. XII. THE THREE WARNINGS. THE tree of deepest root is found Least willing still to quit the ground; 'Twas therefore said by ancient sages, That love of life increased with years So much, that in our later stages, When pains grow sharp and sickness rages, This strange affection to believe, Be pleased to hear a modern tale: When sports went round, and all were gay, With him into another room; And looking grave, "You must," says he, "Quit your sweet bride, and come with me." “With you, and quit my Susan's side! With you !" the hapless husband cried; "Young as I am! 'tis monstrous hard! Besides, in truth, I'm not prepared: My thoughts on other matters go; This is my wedding-night, you know." What more he urged I have not heard ; His hour-glass trembled while he spoke, Of cruelty upon my name, To give you time for preparation, In hopes you'll have no more to say, Well pleased the world will leave." What next the hero of our tale befell, How long he lived, how wise, how well, He chaffered then, he bought, he sold, Nor thought of death as near; His friends not false, his wife no shrew, He passed his hours in peace; But while he viewed his wealth increase, The beaten track content he trod, Old Time,.whose haste no mortal spares, Brought on his eightieth year. And now, one night, in musing mood, Th' unwelcome messenger of Fate Half killed with anger and surprise, 'Tis six and thirty years at least, "So much the worse," the clown rejoined; "To spare the aged would be kind: Besides, you promised me three warnings, Which I have looked for nights and mornings: But, for that loss of time and ease, I can recover damages." "I know," cries Death, "that, at the best, I seldom am a welcome guest. But don't be captious, friend, at least; And sure to see one's loves and friends "This is a shocking story, faith; Yet there's some comfort still," says Death: "Each strives your sadness to amuse; I warrant you hear all the news." "There's none," cries he; "and, if there were, I'm grown so deaf I could not hear." "Nay, then," the spectre stern rejoined, "These are unjustifiable yearnings; If you are lame, and deaf, and blind, You've had your three sufficient warnings. So come along; no more we'll part." He said, and touched him with his dart: And now old Dobson, turning pale, Yields to his fate-so ends my tale. MRS. THRALE. XIII. THE SMACK IN SCHOOL. A DISTRICT school, not far away, The while the master's downward look |