THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS. [THOMAS HOOD, born 1798, was the son of a London bookseller. His works abound in sparkling wit and humour. His true power as a poet is best seen in such pieces as our extract. He died 3rd May, 1845.] 1. ONE more unfortunate, 2. Take her up tenderly, 3. Look at her garments 4. Touch her not scornfully; 5. Make no deep scrutiny Rash and undutiful; 6. Still, for all slips of hers, Wipe those poor lips of hers, 7. Loop up her tresses, Who was her mother? Had she a brother? Or was there a dearer one 8. Alas! for the rarity 9. Sisterly, brotherly, Feelings had changed; 10. Where the lamps quiver From many a casement, 11. The bleak wind of March Made her tremble and shiver, But not the dark arch Or the black flowing river. Mad from life's history, 12. In she plunged boldly, Lave in it-drink of it 13. Take her up tenderly, 14. Ere her limbs frigidly 15. Dreadfully staring Through muddy impurity, 16. Perishing gloomily, Cross her hands humbly, 17. Owning her weakness, HOOD. TUBAL CAIN. [CHARLES MACKAY, born 1814, is a well known poet and journalist. He still lives in a green old age, enjoying the honour which comes from honest work well done.] 1. OLD Tubal Cain was a man of might In the days when Earth was young; And he lifted high his brawny hand On the iron glowing clear, Till the sparks rushed out in scarlet showers, Hurra for the hand that shall wield them well, 2. To Tubal Cain came many a one, And each one prayed for a strong steel blade And he made them weapons sharp and strong, And they sang-" Hurra for Tubal Cain, Who hath given us strength anew! 3. But a sudden change came o'er his heart Ere the setting of the sun, And Tubal Cain was filled with pain For the evil he had done; He saw that men, with rage and hate, Made war upon their kind, That the land was red with the blood they shed And he said- "Alas! that ever I made, Or that skill of mine should plan, Is to slay his fellow-man." 4. And for many a day old Tubal Cain And his hand forebore to smite the ore But he rose at last with a cheerful face, And bared his strong right arm for work, And the red sparks lit the air; "Not alone for the blade was the bright steel made;" And he fashioned the first ploughshare. 5. And men, taught wisdom from the past, In friendship joined their hands, Hung the sword in the hall, the spear on the wall, And ploughed the willing lands; And sang-" Hurra for Tubal Cain, Our staunch good friend is he; To him our praise shall be. But while oppression lifts its head, Or a tyrant would be lord, Though we may thank him for the plough, We'll not forget the sword!" MACKAY. |