Thus affairs appeared in tolerable train for a repetition of the former bickering, when it was at last decided, but not without much turbulent and acrimonious feeling, that each should wait in turn, and give timely notice to the others of the truant's arrival; and with this understanding they separated, leaving one on guard. It is hardly necessary to state that the Devil never reappeared. He always leaves his votaries in the lurch; and on this occasion his boon companions at the Chapter gave him such good cheer, that he forgot the poor winds, who have ever since been alternately looking, but in vain, for his arrival. To their honour be it told, that they each and every one performed his promise of remaining for a stated period, neither excepting the boisterous North, the cutting East, the fashionable West, nor the gentle South. Their various watchings may be easily distinguished by their respective degrees of violence in the neighbourhood, and to this very hour is one of them to be heard either roaring, blowing, moaning, or sighing for their emancipation. And this accounts for the fact of their constant presence, and shows why "THE WIND BLOWS ROUND ST. PAUL'S." The tradition inculcates a moral. Had the four Winds pursued the "path of duty," this trial had been spared them; but they listened to the tempter. Let all profit by their example: Men, as well as Winds, should "KEEP WITHIN COMPASS." RATHER HARD TO TAKE. An artist--'tis not fair to tell his name; But one whom Fortune, in her freakish tricks, Saluted with less smiles than kicks, More to the painter's honour, and her shame,-- Was one day deep engaged on his _chef d'œuvre_, (A painting worthy of the Louvre,) Dives and Lazarus the theme,-- The subject was his earliest boyish dream! And, with an eye to colour, breadth, and tone, He painted, skilfully as he was able, The good things on the rich man's table,-- Wishing they were, no doubt, upon his own; When suddenly his hostess--best of creatures!-- Made visible her features, And to this world our artist did awaken: "A gentleman," she said, "from the next street, Had sent a special message in a heat, Wanting a likeness taken." The artist, with a calmness oft the effect Of tidings which we don't expect, Wip'd all his brushes carefully and clean, Button'd his coat--a coat which once had been,-- Put on his hat, and with uncommon stress On the address, Went forth, revolving in his nob How his kind hostess, when he'd got the job,-- Even before they paid him for his skill,-- Would let him add a little to the bill.