art."--_Hamlet._

First Sentry-go! Night, stars and snow!
The air bites shrewdly, nipping, eager,
As in old Denmark long ago.
A long, long watch through storm and leaguer
That dim, departing Sentinel
Has held. He hails the Young Guard's entry--
"Who goes there?" "Friend!" "Pass, friend!" "All's well!"
Tired age retreats--fresh youth's on sentry.

All's Well? Why that's a formal hail
From Guard to Guard. "Not a mouse stirring,"
_Francisco_ cried, chill, sleepy, pale.
No bat through night-wastes wheeling, whirring;
No trumpet's shrill, no rocket's roar.
And here all seems as calm and quiet
As on the heights of Elsinore,--
Save for far sounds of wassail riot.

Some "wake to-night and take their rouse"
In England as in Denmark, doubtless,
But here calm broods on midnight's brows;
The flag clings to the flag-staff, floutless;
And if ghosts walk--well, youngling Year,
With hints of spectres why alarm you?
Take your first watch, boy, void of fear,
With hope, that inward fire, to warm you!

The Old Guards know that youthful glow
Is not the only thing that's needed
For a long spell of Sentry-go;
But when were veteran croakings heeded?
And if they were, would carking care,
Not wrinkle boy-brow prematurely?
All's well--to-night. May your watch fare
Serenely, steadfastly, securely.

Angels and ministers of grace
Defend you from all spooks alarming!
There's something in your younker face
That even ghosts should find disarming.
They come in questionable shapes,
Those phantoms of the Social Crisis.
Are their cries menaces--or japes?
These be _our_ Mysteries of Isis!

The Citadel you have to ward
Is old, and forces new are mustering.
Vigilant valour will afford
More help, my boy, than fear or flustering.
Young HARRY with his beaver up
Should be your model, my young "nipper!"
_Punch_, lifting high a brimming cup,
Tips the Young Guard a friendly flipper!

* * * * *

DISTINGUISHED INVALID.--The latest bulletin states that "Mr. C. A.
PEARSON still continues weekly. Whether circulation is much impaired
will be ascertained within a short time." Dr. STEPHENSON, his Medical
Adviser, thinks the system must have sustained a severe shock, but hopes
that entire rest, coupled with a liberal diet, may eventually be
successful in combating the malady.