a cradle reversed which has cast out its inmate,* all these have their meaning and lesson for him; and to this meaning and lesson he recurs again and again. But to return to our own matter, which is now rapidly drawing to its end; but yet does not close without some further characteristic touches. Entre lirios y azucenas, *This re-appears in The Steadfast Prince: Bien sé al fin, que soy mortal, Y que no hay hora segura Con una materia en una Al ataud y á la cuna. Accion nuestra es natural, Cuando recibir procura Algo un hombre, alzar las manos En esta manera juntas: De aquella misma accion usa, BEGGAR. Since the world in this rude fashion KING. Wilt thou too affront my greatness, BEGGAR. Now that thy part is concluded, What thou hast been, little matters. KING. How forgettest thou that alms BEGGAR. How forgettest thou that such Thou refusedst? Leave this foolish dream of greatness; For, once dead, thou art the shadow Of the sun which thou wast lately. RICH MAN. Some strange fear in me the prospect Of the Author's presence wakens. BEGGAR. Author of the earth and heaven, Mindful, of that noble banquet. And thy glorious seat unveiled. With music the celestial globe opens once more ;but the little which remains may without difficulty be guessed; at all events it is too serious and solemn to be followed into its details, at least with our feelings and associations-seriously and solemnly, although this, as all the rest, is both intended and carried out by the great Christian poet, my brief specimens of whom have now come to their conclusion. APPENDIX A PERSIAN proverb says, "You may bring a nosegay to the town; but you can not bring the garden." This is true, and "Beauties of Shakespeare," or "Beauties" of any one else who is indeed beautiful, abundantly attest the truth of the adage. For these "beauties" are in the first place but gathered flowers, instead of growing flowers; and then besides, they form generally the most insignificant portion of the wealth, whereof they are presented as specimens and representatives. Still, if they are only offered and accepted at what they are worth, there is no reason why they should not be made; nor should I object to "Beauties of Calderon," if any one were to bring them together. At the same time, the few extracts from him which form the present appendix, are not presented in this sense, or under this aspect; but rather to give the reader, who may know of him only through this little volume, some further examples besides the few which the notes have offered, of his metres, his diction, his skill in wielding and calling out the powers of his native tongue. I have of course sought out and selected |