20 OCTOBER 1883, Page 15

POETRY.

" FORTUNE MY FOE."

" Arm not too high, at things beyond thy reach," Nor give the rein to reckless thought or speech. Is it not better all thy life to bide Lord of thyself, than all the earth beside ?

Thus, if high Fortune far from thee take wing, Why should'st thou envy counsellor or king? Purple or homespun,—wherefore make ado What coat may cover, if the heart be true ?

Then, if at.last thou gather wealth at will, Thou most shalt honour Him who grants it still; Since he who best cloth poverty endure,

Should prove, when rich, best brother to the poor.

ALFRED PERCEVAL GRAVES.