A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW. - Oн, when I was a tiny boy A hoop was an eternal round Of pleasure. In those days I found But now those past delights I drop, And careful thoughts the string! Now I must play with Elgin's lord, With Theseus for a taw! My playful horse has slipt his string, Forgotten all his capering, And harness'd to the law! My kite how fast and far it flew ! Whilst I, a sort of Franklin, drew 'Twas paper'd o'er with studious themes, my present dreams Will never soar so high! My joys are wingless all and dead; My fears prevail, my fancies droop, And seldom with a call! My football's laid upon the shelf; The world knocks to and fro; My archery is all unlearn'd, And grief against myself has turn'd No more in noontide sun I bask; My head's ne'er out of school: And friends grown strangely cool! cake The very chum that shared my No skies so blue or so serene As then ; no leaves look half so green As cloth'd the play-ground tree! All things I lov❜d are alter'd so, Nor does it ease my heart to know That change resides in me! O, for the garb that mark'd the boy, Well ink'd with black and red; The crownless hat, ne'er deem'd an ill Repose upon my head! O, for the riband round the neck! A boy of larger growth? O for that small, small beer anew! And (heaven's own type) that mild sky-blue That wash'd my sweet meals down; The master even! - and that small Turk That fagg'd me! worse is now my work A fag for all the town! O for the lessons learn'd by heart! The Arabian Nights rehears'd in bed! The omne bene - Christmas come! The prize of merit, won for home Merit had prizes then! But now I write for days and days, Without the silver pen! Then home, sweet home! the crowded coach - the loud approach The joyous shout The meeting sweet that made me thrill, The sweetmeats almost sweeter still, When that I was a tiny boy |