his soul into the hands of his Creator, without any preceding indisposition. Jacob obtained an exemption from the common law, and the favour of being informed of his last hour. He sneezed, and did not die; and this sign of death was changed into a sign of life. Notice of this was sent to all the princes of the earth; and they ordained, that in future sneezing should be accompanied with _forms of blessings_, and vows for the persons who sneezed. Thus the custom of _blessing persons who sneeze_ is of higher antiquity than some authors suppose, for several writers affirm that it commenced in the year 750, under Pope Gregory the Great, when a pestilence occurred in which those who sneezed died; whence the pontiff appointed a form of prayer, and a wish to be said to persons sneezing, for averting this fatality from them. Some say Prometheus was the first that wished well to sneezers. For further information on this _ticklish_ subject, I refer the reader to Brand's "Observations on Popular Antiquities." P. T. W. * * * * * STANZAS. (_Written on a stone, part of the ruins of Chertsey Abbey, Surrey_.) (_For the Mirror_.) From gayer scenes, where pleasure's mad career Infects the milder avenues of thought, Where secret Envy swells the note of Fear, And Hope is in its own illusion caught. Where, in Ambition's thorny path of power, Contending votaries bow to toils of state, I turn, regardless of the passing hour, To trace the havoc of avenging fate. Ne'er may the wanton love of active life Control the sage's precepts of repose, Ne'er may the murmurs of tumultuous strife Wreck the tranquillity of private woes. Here, on the crumbling relics of a stone, O'er which the pride of masonry has smiled, Here am I wont to ruminate alone. And pause, in Fancy's airy robe beguil'd. Disparting time the towers of ages bends, Forms and indignant sinks the proudest plan, O'er the neglected path the weed extends, Nor heeds the wandering steps of thoughtful man. Here expiation, murder has appeased, Treason and homicide have been forgiven, Pious credulity her votaries eased, Nor blamed th' indulgent majesty of heaven. Some erring matron has her crimes disclosed, Some father conscious of awak'ning fate, Safe from revenge, hath innocence reposed, Unseen and undisturbed at others' hate. Some sorrowing virgin her complainings poured With pious hope has many a pang relieved; Here the faint pilgrim to his rest restored, The scanty boon of luxury has received. Sated with conquest from the noise of arms, The aged warrior with his fame retired, Careless of thirsty spoil,--of war's alarms-- Nor with imperial emulation fired. Where once her orisons devotion paid By fear, or hope, or reverence inspired, The sad solicitude of youth allay'd, And age in resignation calm attired.