It will be observed that modern epigrams have been preferred to the ancient, and that pungency and pith have given place to completeness and perfection. The limits of the volume, and also of an ordinary life-time, precluded the attainment of the latter, while the object in view in the preparation of the collection has been fully accomplished by an adherence to the former. EPIGRAMS AND LITERARY FOLLIES. AN EPIGRAM. One day in Chelsea meadows walking, "Your simile, I own is true, But how wilt make it out?" says Hugh. Quoth Ralph, "I'll tell thee, friend; Make it at top both wide and fit To hold a budget full of wit, And point it at the end." TREASON. Treason does never prosper; what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason? Harrington. AN ENIGMA. Sarah Anna Lewis. "Seldom we find," says Solomon Don Dunce, Of the dear names that lie concealed within 't. FORTUNE. Fortune, men say, doth give too much to many, But yet she never gave enough to any. Harrington. A CROSS ACROSTICK ON Two CROST Lovers. Thomas Rivers and Mary Brandon. Though crost in our affections, still the flames That All may know when men grant no Redress Thomas Jordan. THE JOKE OF CHARLES MATHews Versified. Was telling another a history, Or, perhaps, it don't meet your belief: "Yes," cries t'other, "but I'm DE F." OUR LIFE IS HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD. Colossians iii. 3. My words and thoughts do both express this notion, That life hath with the sun a double motion. Taught me to live here so, that still one eye high; Quitting with daily labour all my pleasure, PARADISE. George Herbert. I bliss Thee, Lord, because I GROW What open force, or hidden CHARM |