Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/365

 340 MRS. HALL. THE ROSARY.

With sorrow and distress, forever sharing The unhoarded mite, nor for to-morrow earing ; Accept, dear Agnes, on thy natal day, An unadorned, but not a careless lay.&quot;

Numbered with other cherished recollections was a call at Old Brompton, on Mrs. S. C. Hall, the writer of &quot; Sketches of Irish Character,&quot; and other spirited tales that portray the scenery and customs of that &quot;warm-hearted and weeping isle,&quot; of which she is a native. Her husband possesses great taste and skill in the fine arts, and is the editor of several splendidly illustrated volumes, two of which, bearing the title of &quot; Gems,&quot; are selections from the ancient and modern poets of Great Britain, with concise biographies and criticisms. Their present residence, bearing the name of &quot; The Rosary,&quot; was perfumed when I saw it by the breath of violets, and ringing with the carol of birds ; a genial retreat for spirits united in the pursuits of literature and the bonds of love. The mother of the authoress, Madam Fielding, a lady of amiable manners and countenance, finds a pleasant home with these her only children, and in their duteous care, and affectionate attentions, it would seem that time passed over her, un marked by those changes which it is wont to bring to life s decline.

Talk not to me of castles, moated round,

With antique tower and battlement arrayed ;

Talk not to me of palaces, I ve found

So sweet a haunt, that these are lost in shade ;

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