the whole was a humbug for Erin's green isle.

Besides, these are delicate moments to croak,
Since the Saxon's new plan of a word and a stroke.
My mind is made up, like a poodle or pug,
No longer to stir from my berth on the rug;
Though the bold may revile me, so let them revile--
I'm determined to _live_ for old Erin's green isle.

I _proclaim_--that the Saxon will tremble to meet
The heroes of Erin; but, boys, life is sweet.
I _proclaim_--that your shout frightens Europe's base thrones;
But remember, my boys, there is luck in whole bones;
So, take the advice of a friend--wait a while,
In a century or two you'll revenge the Green Isle.

I know in my soul, at the very first shot

That your whole monster meeting would fly at full trot;
What horrid melee, then, of popping and flashing!
At least I'LL not share in your holiday thrashing;
Brawl at Sugden and Smith, but beware "rank and file"--
They're too rough for the lambkins of Erin's green isle.

Observe, my dear boys, if you once get me hang'd,
'Tis fifty to one if you'll e'er be harangued.
Farewell to the pleasure of paying the "Rint"--
Farewell to all earth's vilest nonsense in print--
Farewell to the feast of your gall and your guile--
All's over at once with the grand Emerald Isle.

* * * * *

THE FIREMAN'S SONG.

"Ho, comrade, up! awake, arise! look forth into the night:
Say, is yon gleam the morning-beam, yon broad and bloody light?
Say, does it tell--yon clanging bell--of mass or matin song?
Yon drum-roll--calls it to parade the soldier's armed throng?"

"No, brother, no! no morning-beam is yonder crimson glare!
Yon deep bell tolls no matin--'tis the tocsin's hurried blare!
Yon sullen drum-roll mutters out no summons to parade:
To fight the flame it summons us--the valiant Fire-Brigade!"

Then fast the Fireman rose, and waked his mate that lay beside;
And each man gripp'd his trusty axe, and donn'd his coat of hide--
There bounds beneath that leather coat a heart as strange to fear
As ever swell'd beneath the steel of gilded cuirassier.

And from beneath the leather casque that guards the Fireman's brow,
A bolder, sterner glance shines out than plumy crest can show;
And oft shall