This Hospital for the Aged is a sort of National Almshouse not solely peculiar to Belgium. Private munificence does in England what is done abroad by Governments; but it is to be deplored that a more general provision for the superannuated does not exist in this country. Workhouses are indeed asylums for the old; but for those who are also decayed in worldly circumstances, they cannot afford those comforts which old age requires. Except Greenwich Hospital for sailors, and Chelsea Hospital for soldiers, we have no national institution for old people. THE HOUSEHOLD JEWELS. A Traveller, from journeying In countries far away, Re-passed his threshold at the close Of one calm Sabbath day; A voice of love, a comely face, A kiss of chaste delight, Were the first things to welcome him On that blest Sabbath night. He stretched his limbs upon the hearth, Before its friendly blaze, And conjured up mixed memories Of gay and gloomy days; And felt that none of gentle soul, However far he roam, Can e’er forego, can e’er forget, The quiet joys of home. “Bring me my children!” cried the sire, With eager, earnest tone; “I long to press them, and to mark How lovely they have grown; Twelve weary months have passed away Since I went o’er the sea, To feel how sad and lone I was Without my babes and thee.” “Refresh thee, as ’tis needful,” said The fair and faithful wife, The while her pensive features paled, And stirred with inward strife; “Refresh thee, husband of my heart, I ask it as a boon; Our children are reposing, love; Thou shalt behold them soon.” She spread the meal, she filled the cup, She pressed him to partake; He sat down blithely at the board, And all for her sweet sake; But when the frugal feast was done, The thankful prayer preferred, Again affection’s fountain flowed; Again its voice was heard. “Bring me my children, darling wife, I’m in an ardent mood; My soul lacks purer aliment, I long for other food; Bring forth my children to my gaze, Or ere I rage or weep, I yearn to kiss their happy eyes Before the hour of sleep.”