"--"Massa sure nobody near?" asked the Indian.--"Yes, yes, I've
taken good care of that."--"Then I give massa one good beating." And
forthwith the maty-boy proceeded to put his threat into execution, till
the master, being the weaker of the two, was compelled to cry mercy;
which being at length granted, and the door opened with at least as much
alacrity as it was closed, Maotoo decamped without beat of drum, never
to appear again.--_Twelve Years' Military Adventures, &c._
* * * * *
THE GATHERER.
A snapper up of unconsidered trifles.
SHAKSPEARE.
* * * * *
MEMENTO MORI.
_Inscribed on a Tombstone._
When you look on my grave,
And behold how they wave,
The cypress, the yew, and the willow,
You think 'tis the breeze
That gives motion to these--
'Tis the laughter that's shaking my pillow.
I must laugh when I see
A poor insect like thee
Dare to pity the fate thou must own;
Let a few moments slide,
We shall lie side by side,
And crumble to dust, bone for bone.
Go, weep thine own doom,
Thou wert born for the tomb--
Thou hast lived, like myself, but to die;
Whilst thou pity'st my lot,
Secure fool, thou'st forgot
Thou art no more immortal than I!
H.
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