The Lord, forbearing tow'rd all men, Himself pick'd up the horseshoe then (He ne'er again like this stoop'd down). And when at length they reach'd the town, Before a smithy He remain'd, And there a penny for 't obtain'd. As they the market-place went by, Some beauteous cherries caught His eye: Accordingly He bought as many As could be purchased for a penny, And then, as oft His wont had been, Placed them within His sleeve unseen. They went out by another gate, O'er plains and fields proceeding straight, No house or tree was near the spot, The sun was bright, the day was hot; In short, the weather being such, A draught of water was worth much. The Lord walk'd on before them all, And let, unseen, a cherry fall. St. Peter rush'd to seize it hold, As though an apple 'twere of gold; His palate much approv'd the berry; The Lord ere long another cherry Once more let fall upon the plain; St. Peter forthwith stoop'd again. The Lord kept making him thus bend To pick up cherries without end. For a long time the thing went on; The Lord then said, in cheerful tone: "Had'st thou but moved when thou wert bid, Thou of this trouble had'st been rid; The man who small things scorns, will next, By things still smaller be perplex'd." 1797. ----- A SYMBOL. (This fine poem is given by Goethe amongst a small collection of what he calls Loge (Lodge), meaning thereby Masonic pieces.) THE mason's trade Observe them well, Resembles life, And watch them revealing With all its strife,-- How solemn feeling Is like the stir made And wonderment swell By man on earth's face. The hearts of the brave. Though weal and woe The voice of the blest, The future may hide, And of spirits on high Unterrified Seems loudly to cry: We onward go "To do what is best, In ne'er changing race. Unceasing endeavour! A veil of dread "In silence eterne Hangs heavier still. Here chaplets are twin'd, Deep slumbers fill That each noble mind The stars over-head, Its guerdon may earn.-- And the foot-trodden grave. Then hope ye for ever!" 1827.* ----- ART. ----- Artist, fashion! talk not long! Be a breath thine only song! ----- THE DROPS OF NECTAR.