26 SEPTEMBER 1885, Page 16

A TRANSLATION FROM VICTOR HUGO.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The translator of Victor Hugo's beautiful verse, in your issue of September 19th, scarcely respects his original text suffi- ciently. I venture to offer something which is at least closer :- HUMAN LIFE. Let us be like the bird, one instant lighted

Upon a twig that swings ; He feels it yield, bat sings on, nnaffrighted, Knowing he has his wings.