2 MAY 1846, Page 14

CRADLE CIVILIZATION.

SONNET, ON READING THE APPEAL FOR WILDERSPIN, IN LAST SPECTATOR.

The "leading men" in science or in art,

Those whom the giddy thoughtless world deems great— The merchant kings, who throng the city's mart— The babbling senators, who rule the state—

The very Queen herself, who moves apart

In loftier sphere, while crowds her word await,— All these can sway the actions, not the heart; They can but govern, cannot educate.

This is their office high, who would obey

His word who was the truth, the life, the way- " Bring little children to me, while ye may."

Blest is such greatness: with sweet psaltery

Do infant voices wings their way on high,

Answeed by angel choirs beyond the ethereal sky.

* Brea preposvra. W. J.