"My brief existence now is ended.
Outcast alike of earth and sky,
Useless to live, unknown to die."

It chanced to fall into the sea,
And there an open shell received it;
And, after years, how rich was he,
Who from its prison-house relieved it:
The drop of rain has formed a gem,
To deck a monarch's diadem.

_Amulet_.

* * * * *


THE GATHERER.


"I am but a _Gatherer_ and disposer of other men's
stuff."--_Wotton_.

* * * * *


NEW READING.


A witty wight, on seeing the following line in our last,