And if one raised the sorcerer's veil

That Cupid's ever casting

Before her eyes; though clear she sees,

She loves to everlasting.

And thus the world goes round and round, And matches human beings;

Strange incongruities are found,

And all by Fate's decreeings.

THE MAIDEN'S

CHOICE

OR, THE AMERICAN GIRL IN ENGLAND

OH, she was fair, as fair could be;

Her step was light, and quick, and free; Her golden hair shone with bright hue, And roses bloomed 'neath eyes so blue.

Oh, whom will this fair maiden wed,
This maiden with the buoyant tread;
Oh, whom will she in wedlock take,
Whom now will she her husband make?

How earnestly the young man wooed
And for her hand he warmly sued;
His words of deep and faithful love
A maiden's heart must surely move.

Oh, she should be his star so bright,
Filling his home with 'thereal light ;
His heart's own idol; his desire,
Of whom his soul could never tire.

'His goddess fair,' he said, 'his life,'— All merged in one sweet title-' wife.' His aim her happiness on earth,

If she would share his home and hearth.

The maiden listened for a while,

Then turned away with coldest smile,

She told him she preferred to be

Just as she was, with fancy free.

He went his way, only to dream
That she was good as she did seem,
But, oh, his heart was very full,

And all the world seemed cold and dull,

For want of her whose beauteous face He thought endowed with ev'ry grace; He hoped 'twas but a passing whim This anguish deep had laid on him.

And then another suitor came,

Whose wealth was his untarnished name, Unblemished was through life his path, But riches none, alas, he hath!

In this case too, the maid proved coy,
And firm refused to be his joy;
Her virgin heart no man could gain,
'Twas clear a maid she must remain.

And so he had his way to wend,

With hopes the maid might still unbend; His bosom burned with Love's true fire, In truth, she was his heart's desire.

And many suitors came and went,
But unto none the maiden meant
To plight her troth, to give her hand,
For that which she did most demand,

These lovers had not to bestow; However much their hearts might glow With honest love; she little cares

If gold and riches are not theirs.

Oh, back to the New World, I'll hie !' Cried she with disappointed sigh.

'The boasted beauties of your isle

I guess, my fancy can't beguile.'

There was a something in that voice Which one would hardly like from choice; A tone peculiar to that land

Which by Atlantic winds is fanned.

At length a period to her stay

Was fixed upon, and soon the day
Of her departure drew full near,
Which scarcely brought one single tear,

And scarce she felt one small regret
At leaving the kind friends she'd met ;
Her visit here 'twas plain to see
Was sorry failure as could be,

When another, and a better lover
Around her path began to hover;
He told her that his heart was hers;
And now no longer she demurs,