THE PICTURE GALLERY.
NOCK softly then on memory's sacred door, For through a garden first thy steps will lead—The picture gallery is far within. Pause for a moment ere thou enterest in,Look to thy feet, they should be shod with care, Or better still, unloose thy sandals worn—O'er jewelled pavements first will lead the way, Nor heed the rough stones if the path so turn.
Nor think to onward pass without the fee, A spirit stands in waiting, do not fear,But drop the fee,—a prayer—then boldly pass Down the long gallery, and shed no tear.
THE PICTURES.
Portraits! landscapes! fruits and flowers!Gurgling streams and myrtle bowers,Dark frowning rocks, and rivers deep,And swift cascades in headlong leap.
