NUPTIAL GRACE. "Holy Matrimony. . . . instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee." To be sung by all the Guests.-Tallis, C.M. And THOU shalt be adored. In mystic union join; And grant us greater things to see Thy glory show, our faith make strong, To Him who wove the marriage tie To Him, the Christ of God Most High, W. H. HAVERGAL. ["This unique idea, for wedding guests to find this hymn on the plates, and all stand and sing it, originated with the Rev. W. H. Havergal." Miss Maria Havergal has kindly sent me this unpublished hymn, with the above note concerning it.-F. L.] P 2 V. "AFTER YEARS OF LIFE TOGETHER." "Woman is designed to be neither man's idol nor his rival, but his best and most intimate friend— his completion."-MORTIMER COLLINS. Pen Sketches. FIRST ESSAYS IN HOUSEKEEPING. SHE'S such a clever woman, Cook, Know nothing useful 'neath the sky, Shall I require? how should I know? How many tons will be enough? Shall she take quartern loaves, or rolls? And do I want the kitchen stuff? I've ordered dinner-'tis a fact That I was frightened at the act! Says I, "A leg of lamb you'll get," Says she, "It's not in season yet;" So turning somewhere for relief, I said, "Then get a leg of beef:" She looked so keenly in my face She made me feel the whole disgrace, And so I cried, "Get anything," And ran upstairs to play and sing :I hope we'll have some dinner, though, Or John may be displeased, you know. Mrs. Jerningham's Journal. (Macmillan.) I, WHILE the shop-girl fitted on : The sand-shoes, look'd where, down the bay, The sea glow'd with a shrouded sun. "I'm ready, Felix; will you pay ?" COVENTRY PATMORE. A WIFE WITH A WILL OF HER OWN. LONG ago (in the days of my bachelor life) When I suffer'd few sorrows or cares, I became a young Colebs, in search of a wife With a turn for domestic affairs. People told me that women were thoughtless and weak, And unfit to be trusted alone; So I made up my mind that the treasure I'd seek Was a wife with a will of her own. For decision and firmness I hunted about, I prepared for refusal, but gain'd the reverse, But the honeymoon scarcely was over and past, I was bullied and snubb'd till I said with a sigh, I'm dull as an owl and as meek as a mouse, HENRY S. LEIGH. Gillott and Goosequill. (British and Colonial Publishing Company.) WHEN an ugly and elderly bachelor marries 'Tis a crime which, according to Sheridan, carries A punishment heavy to bear. In a whisper I fain would have breathed my con fession, Though here I reveal it aloud. Let me own, with a sorrow that baffles expression, My honeymoon's under a cloud! HENRY S. LEIGH. A BRIDAL RACE. SIR HUBERT mounted his little brown barb, Quoth he, "Let's a wager ride!” Quoth he, "Sweet wife, let us ride a race, Shall do even as they may. "And whether we live in the country, Or in town as I would still, "Done!" said she with a light high laugh, He thought to catch her limber waist, And really a kiss repay, But she gave her jennette the rein at once; The little brown barb he shied aside, On galloped she merrilie, The race was short and she was first, First by the red haw-tree. "Now fie upon you, winsome wife! Cried he, "you ride unfair, For with that feint, that start too soon, "What's fair," quoth she, with her light high laugh, "I do not care three straws ! Oh, I shall rule, yes, I shall rule, W. BELL SCOTT. BETHINK thee, then, how, in the hours that first together drew Our hearts, from light acquaintance' germ familiar converse grew, From converse sweet by gentle change how potent friendship rose, Till perfect love within our breasts both flower and fruitage shows. And this, bethink, what woven web of blest emotions grew, Phase after phase of various love, the same but ever new ! And learn to enjoy the hour! pure love still upward strives to float To that high sphere where wish to wish, and thought responds to thought, Where feeling blent with feeling, raptures thrilled with raptures rare, In bonds of a diviner life, unite the blissful pair. JOHN STUART BLACKIE. Lyrical Poems. (D. Douglas.) THE POET'S SONG TO HIS WIFE. Have I been thine? When 't bends the flowers, Hath left no mark behind, To count the hours! Some weight of thought, though loth, On thee he leaves; Some lines of care round both Perhaps he weaves; Some fears, a soft regret For joys scarce known; Sweet looks we half forget ; Ail else is flown! Ah! with what thankless heart I mourn and sing! Look, where our children start, To thee and Time! BARRY CORNWALL. English Songs. (G. Bell and Sons.) www YEAR AFTER YEAR. YEAR after year the cowslips fill the meadow, |