"You need not set yourself up for a critic," said Benjamin to Osborne, after hearing these remarks. "I think more of Ralph as a poet than I do of you as a critic. You are not willing to grant that his productions have any merit at all; but I think they have. Moreover, it is a good practice for him to write poetry, to improve himself in the use of language." "Fiddlestick!" retorted Osborne; "it is wasting his time, that might be profitably employed in reading." "Not half so much as your empty criticisms are wasting your breath," said Benjamin, with a smile. "But, look here, I will tell you what we better do. At our next meeting each one of us shall bring a piece of poetry, of our own making, and we will compare notes, and criticise each other." "I will agree to that," replied Ralph. "And so will I," added Osborne, "provided you will decide upon the subject now, so that all shall have fair play." "We will do that, of course," answered Benjamin. "Have you a subject to suggest?" "None, unless it is a paraphrase of the eighteenth Psalm, which describes the descent of the Deity." "A capital subject," said Benjamin; "what do you say to taking that, Ralph?" "I am satisfied with it," replied Ralph; "and more, too,--I rather like it." Thus it was agreed that each one should write a poetical paraphrase of the eighteenth Psalm for their next meeting, and with this understanding they separated. Just before the time of their next meeting, Ralph called upon Benjamin with his piece, and asked him to examine it. "I have been so busy," said Benjamin, "that I have not been able to write anything, and I shall be obliged to appear unprepared. But I should like to read yours;" and he proceeded to examine it. "That is excellent," said he, after reading it. "You have not written anything that is equal to this." "But," said Ralph, "Osborne never will allow the least merit in anything of mine, but makes a thousand criticisms, out of mere envy. He will do so with that piece, I have no doubt." "If he does, it will prove that he is prejudiced against you, or is no judge of poetry," replied Benjamin. "I have a plan to test him," continued Ralph. "He is not so jealous of you; I wish, therefore, you would take this piece and produce it as yours. I will make some excuse and have nothing. We shall then hear what he will say to it." "I will do it," answered Benjamin, who was well convinced that Osborne was prejudiced against Ralph; "but I must transcribe it, so that it will appear in my own handwriting." "Certainly; and be careful that you don't let the secret out." They met at the appointed time. Watson was the first to read his performance. Osborne came next, and his piece was much better than Watson's. Ralph noticed two or three blemishes, but pointed out many beauties in it. "I have nothing to read," said Ralph, whose turn came next in order. "I will try to do my part next time."