“My line of head is vague; now quite
Down in the depths, now past the skyline”—­
Hard lines!  The line that sways a kite
Is my line.

“My line of heart is insecure—­”
Let “x” be hearts; to render scarce “x,”
Let “I"-s divide it; eyes are your
Unfair sex.

“My love will ne’er endure:”  you wrong
My passion:  sooth, it will, if you’re it: 
Yet stay:  to wed?—­I couldn’t long
Endure it.

“My line of life is slurred and queer.” 
It always was—­a hankey-pankey
Of glories missed—­a fine career,
But manque.

So there, forbear to spell my fate;
I’ve saved you that sibylline trouble;
You could but this true estimate
Redouble.

Still, if you clasp my hand, and plead,
And, pouting, claim your second-sight, it
May chance that though you may not read,
You’ll write it.

* * * * *

WAS, IS, AND WILL BE.

(THREE PERIODS OF BIOGRAPHY.)

PAST (Historical).—­General SIMEON SNOOKES was one of the greatest Commanders that ever figured in an European war.  His defence of Herren-Bayoz, in 1796, will be long remembered by those of his grateful countrymen who feared that the Corsican upstart would get the upper hand in the semi-fraternal struggle in the Portugo-Hispanian Peninsula.  A service nearly as important was performed when SNOOKES (then a Colonel), led the forlorn hope that gave PEGGE WELL BEY (the Turkish conqueror) into the grasping hands of the British Government.  Yet still another victory was scored when Captain SNOOKES forced the gates of Ram and Mar, and brought the proud Earls of the Five Free Ports to their knees and their senses.  That he should have received the freedom of the City of London was as it should have been, and it must have been gratifying to his sorrowing friends and relatives that Royalty itself should have been represented at his obsequies.  His fame as a victorious General will never fade, and although his private life may have been uninteresting, his connection with the noble family of DE SCROGGYNS will for ever gain for him the respect of his fellow-countrymen.

PRESENT (Anecdotal).—­General SNOOKES—­better known in the last century as “SIMPLE SIMON”—­was a most interesting personage.  Of his military career it is unnecessary to speak, as it was extremely commonplace, and void of incident.  He was a petit maitre—­and numerous tales are told of his gallantry.  On one occasion, meeting Lady BESSIE FRIZZYHEAD; on the Green at Turnham, he called attention to the fairness of the sunset.  “Quite like cream, Lady BESSIE,” said the old beau, taking a pinch of snuff.  “Whipped, you mean,” replied the malicious maiden, with a smile.  “SIMPLE SIMON” simpered, but never forgave the liberty.  At another time the General was speaking to the late