There, till Mercy let thee in, Knock and weep and watch and wait. Hark! it is the Bridegroom's voice: Safe and seal'd and bought and blest! "Holy Pilgrim ! what for thee William Gifford. { Born 1756. Died 1826. BETTER known as a critic and prose writer than a poet, was born at Ashburton, in Devonshire, in 1756, of poor parentage. His parents died when he was very young, but Gifford picked up an education, and became an author in 1794. His "Baviad and Mæviad," poetical satires, introduced him into public notice; and as a political and literary writer he acted a prominent part during his after career. Of the higher poetry there are very few pieces by Gifford; but his poems show considerable simplicity and beauty. He died in London, on 31st December 1826. THE GRAVE OF ANNA. I WISH I was where Anna lies, Go and partake her humble bier. I wish I could! For when she died, But who, when I am turned to clay, And weeds that have "no business there?" And who with pious hand shall bring The flowers she cherished, snowdrops cold, And violets that unheeded spring, To scatter o'er her hallowed mould? And who, while memory loves to dwell I did it; and would fate allow, Should visit still, should still deplore-But health and strength have left me now, And I, alas! can weep no more. Take then, sweet maid! this simple strain, Thy grave must then undecked remain, And can thy soft persuasive look, Thy spirits frolicsome as good, Thy courage by no ills dismayed, Perhaps but sorrow dims my eye; Cold turf, which I no more must view, Dear name, which I no more must sigh, A long, a last, a sad adieu! William Sotheby. { Born 1757. Died 1833. CHIEFLY known as a translator from the Latin, Greek, and German poets. He also wrote some original poems, but they are little known. STAFFA. STAFFA, I Scaled thy summit hoar, That hour the wind forgot to rave, Then the past age before me came, When 'mid the lightning's sweep, When 'mid Iona's wrecks meanwhile Where Time had strewn each mouldering aisle I hailed the eternal God: Yet, Staffa, more I felt his presence in thy cave Robert Burns. Born 1759. Died 1796. ROBERT BURNS was born on the 25th of January 1759, in a small cottage near the town of Ayr. His father, originally a small farmer, was reduced to humble circumstances, and worked as a common gardener; he was a man of stern and unflinching integrity, and gave his son a good example of religion and virtue. At an early age Burns was sent to school, and his teacher seems to have taken a special delight in imparting to him even more than the usual smattering of knowledge; Burns had, besides, another teacher who busily prepared him for future greatness,-an old woman of the neighbourhood, who was a complete storehouse of old ballads and legendary tales, and who so filled the young mind of the poet with stories |