Page:Once a Week Dec 1860 to June 61.pdf/54

 . 5, 1861.] they had closed. Every one was sure that the child had been put below the basket, and that she did not get out of it in the natural way; but she did get out, and how? I cannot say, though there can be no doubt that it was accomplished by some skilful manœuvre.

Such are a few, a very few of the surprising feats which these jugglers perform, and many still more wonderful there are, which I may have a chance of communicating at some future period to the reader; they are the result of surprising art, address, or contrivance; and for such the natives of India excel the whole world.

L'Envoi.—Reader, if you have been amused with this little anecdote, thank my deceased friend, not me. I am but the mouth-piece of one speaking from the tomb. We may meet again—si fata veliat. If so, au revoir. If, however, the fates are unpropitious, why then, adieu!

2em

! well met, fair maid! Where roaming this bright morn?” The maiden, with a sigh, replies, “My Lord, to lease the corn.” Her hair with blossoms wild bedeck’d, her cheek with blushes dyed, She stands a very queen of flowers, yet downcast as a bride.

Come Marian, my love, with me; nay, why so bashful now? This scorching sun will deeply tinge the whiteness of thy brow; The coarse, harsh stubble of the fields these little hands will spoil; My village beauty was not born to suffer heat and toil.