A dozen gloomy shapes at once enjoyed the merry fit,
With shriek and yell, and oaths as well, like Demons of the Pit.
They crowed their fill, and then the Chief made answer for the
whole:-
"Our skins," said he, "are black, ye see, because we carry coal;
You'll find your mother sure enough, and see your native fields -
For this here ship has picked you up--the Mary Ann of Shields!"



A TALE OF A TRUMPET



BY THOMAS HOOD.

"Old woman, old woman, will you go a-shearing?
Speak a little louder, for I'm very hard of hearing."
--Old Ballad.

Of all old women hard of hearing,
The deafest sure was Dame Eleanor Spearing!
On her head, it is true,
Two flaps there grew,
That served for a pair of gold rings to go through,
But for any purpose of ears in a parley,
They heard no more than ears of barley.

No hint was needed from D. E. F.,
You saw in her face that the woman was deaf: