THE SECRET OF SUCCESSFUL LYING.

BUILD a lie-yes, build a lie,

A large one-be not over tender;

Give it a form, and raise it high,

That all the world may see its splendour ;
Then launch it like a mighty ship

On the restless sea of men's opinion,
And the ship shall sail before the gale
Endued with motion and dominion.

Though storms may batter it evermore,
Though angry lightnings flash around it,
Though whirlwinds rave, and whirlpools roar,
To overwhelm and to confound it,
The ship shall ride, all wrath of time

And hostile elements defying:

The winds of Truth are doubtless strong,
But great's the buoyancy of lying.

And though the ship grow old at last,
Leaky, and water-logged, and crazy,
Yet still the hulk endures the blast,
And fears no weather, rough or hazy ;
For should she sink, she'll rise again,
No strength her rotten planks shall sever:
Give her but size, and the worst of lies
May float about the world for ever.

THE POOR MAN'S RICHES.

1.

POOR! did you call me?
My wants are but few,
And generous Nature
Gives more than my due;
The air and the sunshine,
Fresh water and health,
And heart to enjoy them-
All these are my wealth.

II.

No close-handed miser,

That e'er had a hoard,

Could reckon such treasure

As I can afford:

The wood in its verdure,

The stream in its flow,

Are mine in their beauty
Wherever I go.

III.

My wealth is substantial,
Although in the mart
I cannot convey it,

In whole or in part;

Yet, if I enjoy it,

What signifies more?

I'm lord of the ocean;

I'm king of the shore.

IV.

Wealth could procure me
But pleasure and ease :
I've both in my garden
Beneath the green trees;
I've both in my cottage,
My fancies to feed;

I've both in my conscience,

What more do I need?

V.

The joys that delight me
Are free as my thought;
They're common as sunshine-

They cannot be bought.
I've servants and minstrels,

And boundless domains;

I've rivers and mountains,

And forests and plains.