These are ancient ethnic revels, Now to rivulets from the mountains Point the rods of fortune-tellers; Youth perpetual dwells in fountains, Not in flasks, and casks, and cellars. Claudius, though he sang of flagons Never would his own replenish. Even Redi, though he chaunted Then with water fill the pitcher Wreathed about with classic fables; Ne'er Falernian threw a richer Light upon Lucullus' tables. Come, old friend, sit down and listen! THE OLD CLOCK ON THE STAIRS. L'éternité est une pendule, dont le balancier dit et redit sans cesse ces deux mots seulement, dans le silence des tombeaux: "Toujours! jamais! Jamais! toujours!" JACQUES BRIDAINE. SOMEWHAT back from the village street Tall poplar-trees their shadows throw; And from its station in the hall An ancient timepiece says to all, "Forever never! Never-forever! " Halfway up the stairs it stands, Like a monk, who, under his cloak, With sorrowful voice to all who pass, "Forever - never! Never forever!" By day its voice is low and light; And seems to say, at each chamber-door,— "Forever- never! Through days of sorrow and of mirth. Of changeful time, unchanged it has stood, Never-forever!" In that mansion used to be His great fires up the chimney roared; Never forever!" There groups of merry children played, |