POETRY.

We quote this from the Tribune. It is almost as good as the Bigelow Papers:— LITTLE-BREECHES.

[A. PIKE COUNTY VIEW OF SPECIAL PROVIDENCE.]

"I don't go much on religion,

I never ain't had no show ; But I've got a middlin' tight grip, sir, On the handful o' things I know. I don't pan out on the prophets

And free-will, and that sort of thing—

But I b'lieve in God and the angels, Ever since one night last spring.

"I come into town with some turnips, And my little Gabe came along—

No four-year-old in the county Could beat him for pretty and strong. Peart and chipper and sassy, Always ready to swear and fight— And I'd larnt him to chew terbacker, Just to keep his milk-teeth white.

"The snow come down like a blanket As I passed by Taggart's store ; I went in for a jug of molasses And left the team at the door.

They scared at something and started—

I heard one little squall, And hell-to-split over the prairie Went team, Little Breeches and all.

"Hell-to-split over the prairie !

I was almost froze with skeer ; But we rousted up some torches, And sarched for 'em far and near. At last we struck horses and wagon, Snowed under a soft white mound, Upsot, dead beat—but of little Gabe No hide nor hair was found.

"And here all hope soured on me, Of my fellow-critters' aid—

I jest flopped down on my marrow-bones,.

Crotch-deep in the snow, and prayed.

. . . . . .

"By this, the torches was played out, And me and Isrul Parr Went off for some wood to asheep fold That he said was somewhar thar.

"We found it at last, and a little shed Where they shut up the lambs at night,. We looked in, and seen them huddled thar,. So warm and sleepy and white.

And TSAR sot Little Breeches and chirped As peart as ever you see-

' I want a chaw of terbacker,

And that's what's the matter of me.'

"How did he git thar ? Angels.

He could never have walked in that storm..

They jest scooped down and toted him To where it was safe and warm.

And I think that saving a little child, And bringing him to his own, Is a domed sight better business •

Than loafing around The Throne." J. H.