TO DAFFODILS. Fair Daffodils we weep to see You haste away so soon; As yet the early rising sun Has not attained his noon. Stay, stay, Until the hast’ning day Has run But to the even-song; And, having prayed together, we Will go with you along. We have short time to stay, like you: We have as short a spring; As quick a growth to meet decay As you, or anything. We die As your hours do, and dry Away, Like to the summer’s rain; Or, as the pearls of morning’s dew Ne’er to be found again. ROBERT HERRICK. ―――― UNEXPECTED ACCOUNTS; OR, THE QUARTERLY “BILL-EST-DUE.” I. Dear little bills, we weep to see You come again so soon; Our dividends are not paid in, And yet, you crave this boon; “Pay, pay, On reckoning day, The Tin!” Thus, Christmas with its charms, And mirthful glow and glee, Hath also its alarms! II. We did not think that you were due Till some time in the spring: You grow, like toadstools, in a night, As quick as anything; And though we do Fight shy of you――and taxes too, In spite You fall like drops of summer rain, Save you are many and they are few. And――still you come again! _Cribblings from the Poets_, by Hugh Cayley. Cambridge, Jones and Piggott, 1883. ――――:o:―――― ADVICE. (_Freely adapted from Herrick_). Order ye Wallsends while ye may, Though prices are surprising; For this same coal that’s high to day, To-morrow may be rising. The winter quarter has begun, The sun is sooner setting, Best coals are now two pounds a ton, And dearer will be getting. That man is blest whose cellar’s full, For days will not grow warmer; But what we want to see, John Bull, Is some great coal reformer. Then be not rash, but take advice―― All ye who wish to marry! With coals and meat at such a price, You would be wise to tarry. ――――:o:―――― LOVE’S REASONS. (_After Herrick._) Why do I love my love? Her eyes are deepest blue, Bluer than sky above, She’s pure, and sweet, and true. ’Tis not for every grace That sparkles in her face, Although each one of these My wayward fancy please, I love my love because I do.