That petty, puny, paltry, pretty thing-- In form a wasp, but destitute of sting; Vain as a peacock, soulless as a gnat, Brainless as soulless, finical as flat: Of apes the ape most awkward and most vile-- Jackall of monkeys, and without jacko's wile. The jackall serves none but the noblest beast, But this base thing takes lessons from the least. As Egypt's sons did bow the knee of yore, And worship apes, the eternal God before-- He, in god image framed, with godlike mind, Would be a god--of Egypt's monkey kind. A traveller sage! Europe he hath explored-- His mistress fashion, and an ape his lord. No dignity finds he in native man, Acting and thinking after nature's plan; No wisdom, save in artificial fools-- Nature's apostates--slaves to senseless rules: No beauty sees he, save in gold and lace, A made up figure, and a painted face; And no politeness, save in mere grimace. Go! thou vile satire on the human race; Go! _on all fours_, and seek thy proper place: Go! thing too mean for any mighty ill-- Go! petty monster, "pay thy tailor's bill." For the Southern Literary Messenger. PLACED WITH A ROSE UPON A LADY'S CHEEK. Roses on roses I bestow; Bright rose! to brighter roses go-- Bask in the sunlight of her eyes, Nor dread their fires; the dews which rise In pity for a heart that grieves, Will shed reviving coolness on thy leaves. QUESTUS. _Norfolk_. For the Southern Literary Messenger. THE ALLEGHANY LEVELS. The following description of a part of Virginia and Maryland, seldom visited and but little known, may have sufficient interest to deserve a place in the columns of the Messenger. The country alluded to, is in the northern part of this state, and comprehends that corner of Maryland included between the North Branch of Potomac and a line due north from the Fairfax stone, at the head spring of that stream, to the Pennsylvania line; and also a portion of the territory at present in dispute between the two states; Maryland claiming as her boundaries the South Branch of Potomac and a meridian thence to Mason and Dixon's line,--while the first mentioned limits only are acknowledged by Virginia. A short notice of the origin of these conflicting titles might, perhaps, be interesting to some readers; but in addition to our lack of complete information, the limits of this sketch will not permit it.