Very similar to this is his speech to the mourners over the body of Juliet, supposed by all but him to be dead. The prince acts a similar part, and in the last scene, declares his determination to inquire into all the circumstances, “And know their spring, their head, their true descent,” before passing judgment; whereupon the friar recapitulates the whole story. As he tells nothing but what was known to the reader before, his long speech would seem to be superfluous; but does not the moral of the piece consist in this deliberate investigation after so much impulsive and inconsiderate conduct; and the final reconciliation of the rival houses, when grief has brought them to _reflection_? If this imperfect sketch should induce the reader to take up Romeo and Juliet, and study it in the point of view I have indicated, he will find a thousand illustrations of the “central idea,” which it has been impossible, in this brief paper, to notice; and he will find a principle of order in this seeming chaos—that all these quibbles and conceits, these headlong passions, and conflicting emotions are made to harmonize and serve a common purpose. * * * * * JACOB’S LADDER. E. J. EAMES. OH! beautiful ascending, and descending, Were your bright footsteps ’twixt the earth and sky; Celestial visitants, in love attending On the tired trav’ler, to whose dreaming eye Came radiant glimpses of that far Elysian, Whose glories now are hid to mortal vision. A gleam of pinions—solemn harmonies— The stony pillow—the dim haunted sod— And to the sleeper—what dread mysteries Awe his high heart? How sinks the _Voice of God_ Deep in his soul! Yes, God in veiled glory Appears, His “ancient cov’nant” to renew; And angel-tongues record the sacred story Which o’er the Patriarch such rich splendor threw! But never more, as in the days departed, Will ye return to gladden this dull earth: What burning tears to human eyes have started Since last ye moved ’mid forms of mortal birth. And though no more, in glorious raiment clad, May God, or angel-guest, to man appear, Unseen they walk the world, and hov’ring near Their _spiritual presence_ makes earth’s children glad. And still the mystic ladder is erected, Whereon bright missioned spirits come and go— Bearing unto the worn and world-dejected, A precious balm for all life’s want and wo. Still unto us high promises are given, And holiest hopes, to lead our hearts to Heaven. * * * * * BASS AND BASS FISHING. BY FRANK FORESTER. [Illustration] THE STRIPED BASS. (LABRAX LINEATUS. _Cuvier._)