Well, the poor Winds went whistling up and down, looking at the shops, watching the crowd, and amusing themselves as best they could under such disagreeable circumstances. They made several rounds of the church, the hands of the clock made several rounds of the dial, yet the absent one appeared not; and their patience was nearly exhausted, when the South modestly offered to sing them a song, if indeed such feeble powers could lighten the time and lessen their suspense, and then breathed the following words to a soft plaintive _air_: SONG OF THE SOUTH. I. I love to roam where the spice-groves send Their mingled sweets o'er the fragrant air, Where orange-blossoms their bright buds lend To weave a wreath for the blushing fair; And I waft each shining tress aside That shades the brow of the blooming bride. II. I love to roam at the sunset hour, To breathe farewell to the parting day, And kiss the dew from each star-lit flower, That ever weeps as light fades away. Oh! I woo them all with my softest sighs, And gently whisper,--that Love never dies! "Enough! enough!" grumbled the East; "I cannot waste my time in such frivolities. Where is the fellow who brought us here?" "Ay!" said the North, "does he fancy we have nothing better to occupy us than attending his pleasure, dancing attendance?" And thereat the watchers became mighty impatient. At length the North declared that he had business of great importance that night upon the coast. "What fools we were to pledge ourselves! My engagements are imperative,--go I must!" roared he with vehemence. "And I," added the East, with similar violence. "I have made an appointment in Bond-street," muttered the West, mentioning the fashionable lounge of that period; "moreover, the Countess of B---- expects me at her party. I am irrevocably bound to the countess, and would not disappoint the sweet creature for worlds." "I cannot remain alone in this gloomy place," sighed the South. "Listen!" said the North, puffing himself up to an unusual pomposity, even for him; "I have a plan to remedy the dilemma. I go,--that is settled. You three can easily find an excuse for my absence." "And mine," cried the East. "Two are very good company,--three damp conversation." "As I have nothing particular to communicate, I shall follow your example," said the West, looking significantly at the East. "I was assured the puppy would oppose me," grunted the latter; "'tis his constant practice."