most curious Mosaic work, of porphyry, and other stones of various colours.

In this choir is performed the ceremony of crowning the kings and queens of England.

At the southern extremity of the cross aisle are erected monuments to the memory of several of our eminent poets. This interesting spot is called Poets' Corner; and never could any place be named with more propriety, for here are to be found the names of Chaucer, Spenser, Shakspere, Jonson, Milton, Dryden, Butler, Thomson, Gay, Goldsmith, and other poets. Here also, as if this spot were dedicated to genius of the highest rank, are the tombs of Handel and Garrick.

In the south aisle, some of the more remarkable monuments are those of Dr. Watts, W. Hargrave, Esq., Captain James Cornwall, and others. At the west end of the abbey are those of Sir Godfrey Kneller, Dr. Mead, Sir Charles Wager, and Earl Chatham. On the north side of the entrance into the choir, is the monument of Sir Isaac Newton, and not far from it is that for Earl Stanhope, with all of whose names and characters you will become acquainted, if you are diligent in reading and learning. All these great men were once little children like yourselves; and many of them had not half the opportunities that you have in procuring proper books to read; but with the ardour and perseverance of true genius they overcame difficulties and conquered obstacles of the most alarming character. They did not allow poverty-for many of them were very poor boys indeed-to stand in their way, but set to work in a good and earnest spirit; and they had their reward, for each made for himself a name in history that will never die. You will do well to study their characters and imitate their examples.

44

CHILDREN AT PLAY.

I love to look on a scene like this,
Of wild and careless play,

And persuade myself that I am not old,
And my locks are not yet grey;

For it stirs the blood in an old man's heart,
And makes his pulses fly,

To catch the thrill of a happy voice,
And the light of a pleasant eye.

I have walked the world for fourscore years, And they say that I am old;

That my heart is ripe for the reaper Death,

And my years are well-nigh told.

It is very true-it is very true-
I'm told, and I " bide my time;"

I am willing to die when my time shall come, And I shall be glad to go,

For the world, at best, is a weary place,

And my pulse is getting low;

But the grave is dark, and the heart will fail

In treading its gloomy way;

And it wiles my heart from its dreariness,
To see the young so gay.

s soon as the actual building of the ship is completedthat is, before her internal decoration and rigging is commenced--she is considered ready to launch. Her life having fairly begun, she is about to be consigned to the element which is to be her future home. See what a lively scene it is; scores of little boats, filled with gay company, are crowding round her. Every one is anxious to catch a sight of the gaudy vessel, dressed out with flags and streamers, and looking as fresh as well-finished handicraft can make her. The deck is crowded with ladies and gentlemen, and as the blocks which support her in her place are knocked from under her, the godfather pronounces her name, dashes a full wine bottle against her side, and she floats