lost, for at such times the heart ever goes back to renew alike its grief and love, on the altar of affection. Still must we say :

"Hail to thee! season of joy and festivity,
Social pleasures and innocent mirth,
Which smooth the path of age's declivity,
And render to infancy Eden on earth."

Ring, ring the bells a merry peal,
Let loud hosannas fill the air,
This day is born our Saviour king,

Then banish every grief and care.

This day from Heaven's bright throne He came,
To dwell on earth a simple babe,

His mother's arms are round Him thrown,

And on her breast His head is laid.

His rosy lips are joining hers

In many a holy, fervent kiss,

The tears of love are on His cheek,

Her heart is filled with rapturous bliss.

Then trim the halls with ivy green,
And let the yule log away.

Be blithe and happy every one,

To welcome in the Christmas day.

OLIVER GOLDSMITH.

Oliver Goldsmith, although he ranks as an English poet, was born at a place called Pallas, in the county of Longford, Ireland. His father was an humble curate, and "passing rich, with forty pounds a year.' Although in humble circumstances, the family had their share of ancestral pride, and boasted not a little of an honorable Spanish descent. The name of Goldsmith was adopted in the sixteenth century, and was derived from the mother's side. It is said much of the romantic and wandering character which distinguished Goldsmith's after years was imbibed from the early teaching

of his school-master, who had been an officer in the wars of Queen Anne, and who, finding in his young charge a ready listener, poured into his willing ears the wild and thrilling adventures of which he was often the hero. Oliver's talents having attracted the notice of some relatives of the family, who, knowing the narrow circumstances of his father offered to send him to school, now commenced the troubles of his life. Being naturally sprightly and gay, he upon one occasion imprudently invited some persons of both sexes to his rooms for a little entertainment. His tutor, who was a man of choleric temperament, chastised young Goldsmith in the presence of his friends. This disgrace drove him for a time from the university, but, matters being ami cably arranged, he returned afterwards, and

finished his course; but it was remarkable that he did not fulfill the expectations of his friends, nor develop the promise of his boyhood. From his first situation as tutor he saved about £30, with which he bought a horse and commenced his rambles through the country. After some weeks he returned home with a miserable nag, which he called Fiddleback. His story was, he had sold his first horse to pay his passage for America, but while he was viewing the curiosities of the town the ship sailed, and he had just sufficient left to purchase the wretched animal he bestrode. His uncle, who was always kind and lenient to his faults, sent him to the temple. On his way to London he was fleeced by some gamesters and returned shortly, in disgrace, to his mother. Again his friends assist him. Next we find