POETRY.

THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.

p he original of these lines was written more than fifty years ago by the Greek poet Alexander Soutsos, as a satiric protest against a decree, passed under the presidency of Capodistrias, which gagged the Press while professing to secure its freedom. The translation was suggested by the summary, in last week's Spectator, of Stepniak's account of the Russian Press,—which, indeed, can only be said to enjoy freedom on the terms of Sontsos' refrain,— E7v' lAeiieepos ô Tirros, 4sedv€4 tuivov vii pg.v

'Twas a Minister addressed me, with a radiant face of joy, " Soutsos," cried he, "friend of freedom, glorious news I bring, old boy.

I have framed a law, a Press law, fifteen Articles comprising, And, by dint of my devising,

Freedom's granted to the Press !—provided that you use no

slighting Language of a State official, Or of any functionary. Ministerial or Judicial, Freedom's granted to the .Press,—provided you refrain from writing.

I've a brother who's a Prefect, quite a prodigy of zeal ; And my cousin holds a valuable Judgeship of Appeal. I, too, have some tidy pickings in my own snug sinecure, Still, I dote on free discussion, gagging I can not endure.

Freedom's granted to the Press ! &c.

There's a friend of mine, a colleague, who is always in a fright Lest his shady antecedents should be dragged into the light. Well, the other day I heard him loudly 'gainst the Papers bellow. Sir, I did my very utmost to suppress the stupid fellow.

Freedom's granted to the Press ! &c.

Henceforth at your writing-table you can sit and freely bait us, In your choicest doggrel slate us, Anything that doesn't please you, any aggravating person, You may write satiric verse on.

• Freedom's granted to the Press ! &c.

What on earth delays you, Sontsos ? Speedily your penknife seize, Point your quill, and place your note-book comfortably on your knees.

There's red ink, if you prefer it; yes, red makes the best begin- ning:

Sift us all, and show no quarter or compassion on the sinning. Freedom's granted to the Press !—provided that you use no slighting

Language of a State official, Or of any functionary, Ministerial or Judicial.

Freedom's granted to the Press !—provided you refrain from