casion Cats fell on his knees in the
presence of the States-General and thanked God for taking away his
heavy burden. He was once more persuaded to join an embassy to
England. Cromwell had meanwhile come to power; Cats and his
fellow-travelers returned with but little accomplished, and the old
statesman and poet saw himself free to spend the last years of his
life on his place Zorgvliet, which he had built outside of The Hague
on the way to Scheveningen, in the midst of the Dunes. Although he may
not have been a great statesman, he had felt the responsibility of his
calling. He was never quite equal to it, and often felt himself
helpless and small against the encroachment of the Powers. But honesty
and patriotism were his to the fullest extent.

The last eight years of his life he spent in Zorgvliet in undisturbed
peace. He returned to his literary labors and wrote 'Onderdom en
Buitenleven' (Age and Country Life), 'Hofgedachtess' (Court Thoughts),
and his rhymed autobiography 'Twee-entaghtig-jarig Leven' (A Life of
Eighty-two Years). He seems to have kept his warm interest and joy in
life to the very last.

FEAR AFTER THE TROUBLE

Awhile ago I read a tale methinks is curious.
Perhaps to every one the story may be useful;
Therefore in timeliness unto the light I drag it,
In hope that all who read, in it will find a pleasure.
A lord once lived of old, whose joy it was to wander
In field and flowery mead, quite to his heart's contentment.
A horse he had withal, so sage that, slept the rider,
It home would wisely go, without the knight to waken.
And so it came to pass that one day forthward faring,
To dine, the cavalier by a good friend was bidden.

He met with welcome glad; good wine went freely flowing.
At last, for all such cheer, the guest must take his leave.
Himself then he prepared to climb into his saddle,
And turned his beast about, that home were soon attained.
The day was bleak and raw; the sun of light was chary;
Through clouds before its face, a pallid light descended.
The wise steed careful stepped onward along the highway,
Its sober rider borne, as custom was, unwearied.
Anon the usual drowse closed up the rider's eyelids:
His beast walked calmly on, in faithfulness of service;
The man, profoundly sleeping, traveled as he was wonted;
The time at last brought near when he should reach his dwelling.

But lo! a friend is met, who questions him in wonde