Still, and a nearer one

Yet, than all other?

Alas! for the rarity
Of Christian charity
Under the sun!

Oh, it was pitiful!

Near a whole city full,

Home she had none.

Sisterly, brotherly,
Fatherly, motherly

Feelings had changed,-

Love, by harsh evidence,
Thrown from its eminence;

Even God's providence

Seeming estranged.

Where the lamps quiver

So far in the river,

With many a light

From window and casement,

From garret to basement,

She stood with amazement,

Houseless by night.

The bleak wind of March

Made her tremble and shiver;

But not the dark arch,

Or the black flowing river;

Mad from life's history,

Glad to death's mystery,
Swift to be hurled-

Anywhere, anywhere

Out of the world!

In she plunged boldly,—
No matter how coldly
The rough river ran—

Over the brink of it!

Picture it, think of it!

Dissolute man!

Lave in it, drink of it

Then, if you can!

Take her up tenderly,

Lift her with care!

Fashioned so slenderly,

Young, and so fair!

Ere her limbs, frigidly,

Stiffen too rigidly,

Decently, kindly,

Smooth and compose them;

And her eyes, close them,
Staring so blindly!
Dreadfully staring

Through muddy impurity,
As when with the daring
Last look of despairing
Fixed on futurity.

Perishing gloomily,
Spurred by contumely,
Cold inhumanity,
Burning insanity,

Into her rest!

Cross her hands humbly,

As if praying dumbly,

Over her breast!

Owning her weakness,

Her evil behavior,

And leaving, with meekness,

Her sins to her Savior!

EDGAR ALLEN POE.

EDGAR ALLEN POE was born in Boston, January 19, 1809, and after a tempestuous life of forty years, he died in Baltimore, October 7, 1849.

His father, the son of a distinguished officer in the Revolutionary army, was educated for the law, but having married the beautiful English actress, Elizabeth Arnold, he abandoned law, and in company with his wife, led a wandering life on the stage. The two died within a short time of each other, leaving three children entirely destitute. Edgar, the second son, a bright, beautiful boy, was adopted by John Allen, a wealthy citizen of Richmond. Allen, having no children of his own, became very much attached to Edgar, and used his wealth freely in educating the boy. At the age of seven, he was sent to school at Stoke Newington, near London, where he remained for six years. During the next three years he studied under private tutors, at the residence of the Allens, in Richmond. In 1826 he entered the university of Virginia, where he remained less than a year.

After year or two of fruitless life at home, a cadetship was obtained for him at West Point. He was soon

tried by court-martial and expelled from school because

he drank to excess and neglected his studies.

his school days.

Thus ended