SAY WHAT ABRIDGMENT HAVE YOU FOR THIS EVENING? WHAT MASQUE? WHAT MUSIC? HOW SHALL WE BEGUILE SHAKESPEARE. THE CABINET; OR, THE SELECTED BEAUTIES 1832 OF LITERATURE. EDITED BY JOHN AITKEN. HURST LONDON: HURST, CHANCE, & CO. ST PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD: MDCCCXXXI. TO MY CHILDREN. YES, my young darlings, since my task is done, But the fond sire with feelings long repress'd, Longing, in home's dear sanctuary, to find Remember ye, my sweet ones, with what " pomp And circumstance" of glee we used to romp From room to room, o'er tables, stools, and chairs, O'erturning household gods-now up the stairs, Now under sofas, now in corners hiding, Now in, now out, now round the garden gliding? Remember ye-when under books and toys The table groan'd, and evening's tranquil joys Soothed your excited spirits to reposeHow blithe as larks at peep of dawn ye rose? Pleased every moment, mirthful every hour, As bees love sunshine, or as ducks the shower; |