Now am I free, or book or rod in hand,
Alone, or compassed by a cherub band
Of laughing children, by the brook to steal,
Seeking repose in sport which WALTON loved--
Sport meet alike for Youth or thoughtful
Age--
Free, an I wish to go a pilgrimage
With CHAUCER, my companion long approved,
Or thee, thou Greater One, who lovedst to sing,
"Of books in brooks, and good in every thing."
WILLIAM J. THOMS.
* * * * *
THE DEVOTEE.
(_From the Latin_.)
Balbus, in vain you urge the notion
That Ignorance begets Devotion--
We can't believe it till we see
Yourself a fervent devotee.
RUFUS.
* * * * *
_By Hook or by Crook._--It is said that Strongbow, when debating with
his followers on the best mode of capturing Ireland, said, that it must
be taken "by Hook or by Crook." "_The Hook_" is the name of a well-known
promontory, forming the N.E. boundary of Waterford Harbour; and
_Crook-haven_ is an equally well-known harbour, on the south coast.
Could this have any thing to do with the proverb?
J.G.
Kilkenny.
_Macaulay's Young Levite.
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