To most kind of men it is an extraordinary delight to study. For what a world of books offers itself, in all subjects, arts, and sciences, to the sweet content and capacity of the reader!... What vast tomes are extant in law, physic, and divinity, for profit, pleasure, practice, speculation, in verse or prose, &c.! their names alone are the subject of whole volumes; we have thousands of authors of all sorts, many great libraries full well furnished, like so many dishes of meat, served out for several palates; and he is a very block that is affected with none of them.--R. BURTON. _The Anatomy of Melancholy._ SWEET AND HAPPY HOURS BORNWELL. Learning is an addition beyond Nobility of birth; honour of blood Without the ornament of knowledge is A glorious ignorance. FREDERICK. I never knew more sweet and happy hours Than I employed upon my books. J. SHIRLEY. _The Lady of Pleasure._ THE PROUDER PLEASURES OF THE MIND Books cannot always please, however good; Minds are not ever craving for their food; But sleep will soon the weary soul prepare For cares to-morrow that were this day's care: For forms, for feasts, that sundry times have past, And formal feasts that will for ever last. 'But then from study will no comforts rise?'-- Yes! such as studious minds alone can prize; Comforts, yea!--joys ineffable they find, Who seek the prouder pleasures of the mind: The soul, collected in those happy hours, Then makes her efforts, then enjoys her powers; And in those seasons feels herself repaid, For labours past and honours long delay'd. No! 'tis not worldly gain, although by chance The sons of learning may to wealth advance; Nor station high, though in some favouring hour The sons of learning may arrive at power; Nor is it glory, though the public voice Of honest praise will make the heart rejoice: But 'tis the mind's own feelings give the joy, Pleasures she gathers in her own employ-- Pleasures that gain or praise cannot bestow, Yet can dilate and raise them when they flow. G. CRABBE. _The Borough._ A TASTE TO BE PRAYED FOR