TWO COUNTRY SONNETS.

I.--THE CONTRAST

But yester e'en the city's streets I trod
And breathed laboriously the fervid air;
Panting and weary both with toil and care,
I sighed for cooling breeze and verdant sod.
This morn I rose from slumbers calm and deep,
And through the casement of a rural inn,
I saw the river with its margins green,
All placid and delicious as my sleep.
Like pencilled lines upon a tinted sheet
The city's spires rose distant on the sky;
Nor sound familiar to the crowded street
Assailed my ear, nor busy scene mine eye;
I saw the hills, the meadows and the river--
I heard cool waters plash and green leaves quiver.

II.--PLEASURE.

These sights and sounds refreshed me more than wine;
My pulses bounded with a reckless play,
My heart exalted like the rising day.
Now--did my lips exclaim--is pleasure mine;
A sweet delight shall fold me in its thrall;
To day, at least, I'll feel the bliss of life;
Like uncaged bird,--each limb with freedom rife--
I'll sip a thousand sweets--enjoy them all!
The will thus earnest could not be denied;