A dyer born, a dyer bred, Lies numbered here among the dead; Dyers, like mortals doomed to die, Alike fit food for worms supply. Josephus Dyer was his name; By dyeing he acquired fame; 'Twas in his forty-second year His neighbours kind did him inter. Josephus Dyer, his first son, Doth also lie beneath this stone; So likewise doth his second boy, Who was his parents' hope and joy. His handywork all did admire, For never was a better dyer. Both youths were in their fairest prime, Ripe fruitage of a healthful clime; But nought can check Death's lawless aim, Whosoever' life he choose to claim: It was God's edict from his throne, "My will shall upon earth be done." Then did the active mother's skill The vacancy with credit fill Till she grew old, and weak, and blind, And this last wish dwelt on her mind-- That she, when dead, should buried be With her loved spouse and family. At last Death's arm her strength defied; Thus all the dyeing Dyers died! * * * * * HALCYON DAYS. Halcyon-days denote a time of peace and tranquillity. The expression takes its rise from a sea-fowl, called among naturalists _halcyon_, or _alcyon,_ which is said to build its nest about the winter solstice, when the weather is usually observed to be still and calm. Aristotle and Pliny tell us that this bird is most common in the seas of Sicily, that it sat only a few days, and those in the depth of winter, and during that period the mariner might sail in full security; for which reason they were styled _Halcyon-days_. P.T.W. * * * * * USE OF TIME. Dr. Cotton Mather, who was a man of uncommon dispatch and activity in the management of his numerous affairs, and improved every minute of his time, that he might not suffer by silly, impertinent, and tedious visiters, wrote over his study-door, in large letters, "Be short." Ursinus, a professor in the University of Heidelburgh, and a diligent scholar, to prevent gossips and idlers from interrupting him in his hours of study, wrote over the door of his library the following lines--"Friend, whoever thou art that comest hither, dispatch thy business or begone." The learned Scaliger placed the following sentence over the doors of his study--"Tempus meum est ager meus," "My time is my field or estate." And it is frequently the only valuable field which the labourer, in body or mind, possesses. Ever hold time too precious to be spent With babblers.--_Shakspeare._ "Friends," says Lord Bacon, "are robbers of our time." H.B.A. * * * * * EPITAPH ON A POTTER. How frail is man--how short life's longest day! Here lies the worthy Potter, turned to clay! Whose forming hand, and whose reforming care, Has left us lull of flaws. Vile earthenware! H.S.G. * * * * * LENGTHENING OF THE DAYS.