POETRY.
TWO SCHOOLBOYS.
Two schoolboys on their way to school I day by day was meeting, Yet tho' I met them:dayiby day, We each and all pursued our way,— Nor changed a friendly greeting.
At last I got to nod and smile, To smile they, too, were willing ; And then I used to stop and stand, And often shake them by the hand, And sometimes tip a shilling,—
Till it became a daily treat To meet these morning:scholars : I loved to see their merry looks, Tho' schoolward bound, with bag of books, Bright cheeks, and shining collars.
Soon came the summer holidays, And when they were half over, I took a trip to Germany, And three months passed away ere I Recrossed the Straits:of Dover.
Again I took that old, old walk— What time the leaves were yellow, Tee autumn day was very still- J.Ist at the bottom of the hill I met one little fellow.
He hailed me with a joyful cry Of joyfullest delectation : I laughed to see him laughing so,— " But where's our friend ?" " What ! don't you know ?
He died in the vacation."
How was it that I turned aside, With rough, abruptest bearing ? No matter ; on the instant I Turned off, nor even said, Good-bye,' And left the youngster staring. AL
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