The gay party separated about 12 o’clock, apparently highly satished with each other and themselves. It is to be hoped, they will meet again as “beautifully blue” as ever. And in the meantime, forgive me for having converted “_pro bono publico_,” their classic saloon, into a modern “Ear of Dyonisius.” * * * * * FANNY. BY MRS. MARY SUMNER. A dancing shape, an image gay, To haunt, to startle, and waylay. WORDSWORTH. I revel in my right divine— I glory in Caprice. MRS. OSGOOD. Have you seen the summer clouds Troop along in rapid crowds, Throwing shadows soft and warm, Flitting ere you mark their form, O’er some landscape still and sweet, Where the wild and lovely meet, Ravishing by turns the eye With beauty and with mystery? Dusky wood and rolling meadow Bask in light or sleep in shadow, And the river’s rippling wave, Flashing smiles or chill and grave, Fascinates the dazzled sight— In the flitting shade and light All, howe’er familiar, seems Magical as fairy dreams. So do swift emotions chase Over Fanny’s radiant face; Such a fascination lies In each change that o’er it flies, Light and shadow, varying still, Set at nought the painter’s skill, And so beautiful their play, That you would not bid to stay E’en the grace that charms you most, Lest a sweeter should be lost. Vain to question what may be The secret of her witchery; Still her speaking face enchants us, And her dancing figure haunts us, And those dark Italian eyes Like a thralling vision rise, And we could not if we would Break the spell her sunny mood Flings upon the heart and brain; With a triple-woven chain Bindeth she our hearts to hers, Turning friends to worshipers. Her high soul, her feelings warm, Even her gay caprices charm, Startling you with fresh surprises, As each impulse that arises From her being’s depth displays Yet another brilliant phase; Crystal-like at every turn, Rainbow glories flash and burn, Till you see revealed her whole Beautiful and gifted soul— Mirrored forth without disguise From her large, impassioned eyes, Full of warm and lustrous light, That would witch an anchorite.