20 JUNE 1891, Page 16

POETRY.

TWO SONNETS.

" Vieturosque net eolant at titans &trent Felix CSHCI mori."—Lnexpr.

" IAA, they whose destiny it is to live Refuse to endure the yoke, the Gods conceal Row Linsgod a release it ip to die."

THE doomed to live are blinded, for the Gods Are cruel wise. They know that if man saw How human hearts are crushed by pulseless Law,. How life's poor stakes against tremendous odds Are wagered, how the lictora' murderous rods

Remorseless lash the quivering slaves who draw The car of Progress, how there lurks a flaw In every diamond-hope, how great Jove nods While mankind wanders guideless in the maze, Foodless in deserts, footsore, friendless, faint—

He would not live ; he could not choose but die. Fooled he endures cold nights and wintry days ; Supremely fooled he wails with fatuous plaint, When Death, the tardy Friend, at last draws nigh..

"It is not woll for Life To learn too soon the loyely sweets kept Per then that die.'

EDWIN AIINOLD, "The Light of the World,.' Book

WERE we to know what blessed rest awaits, Impatient might we grow of flinty ways ; The unveiled Light Eterne would only daze Earth-focussed eyes. Angels were no fit mates For mortal men. In love, not scorn, the Fates Have sealed our eyes, that our appointed days On earth well may be spent ; and blame, not praise,.

Be theirs who—fond, rebellious, rash ingrates 1—

Chafe at the limits which are man's defence.

Children, what manhood means we cannot know,.

And need not, if we could. To learn, to grow, By earthly joy, pain, labour, rest—through sense To blossom into soul—is given us breath.

Who truly lives, nor dreads nor longs for death.