certainty of the present state. Grant, however, that such sorrows have been never met, that life has been prosperous and happy, sooner or later it must have an end. The list of deaths, accordingly, presents us with the last remembrance of the great and good, of the wise and learned, of the highest rank, and the most conspicuous talent. Some we see cut off in the blossom of their days, while others continue to flourish till the winter of age brings their natural decay: but to all it comes at last, nor can rank, or talent, or wisdom, or virtue, defer the period when it has once arrived. The only object in human life, combining certainty with futurity, is its termination: all else is uncertain as the gamester's throw, with the exception merely of its brevity: but though the space between birth and death is generally short, it is not often filled as it should be. In the language of the poet, To be born and die Of rich and poor makes all the history;" and it would, indeed, be well, if we could more frequently say with truth, in the words of the next couplet, 66 That virtue fill'd the space between, Prov'd by the ends of being, to have been." The last part of a Newspaper to which allusion will be made, is that which is the last in all such publications, namely, the Printer's Address at the end. The announcement itself shews little; the reason of it, much. From the course of human life, it was seen, that persons who wielded an engine of such immense power as the press, could not, with safety to society, repose under the protection of secrecy. Such are the infirmities of human nature, and such is the propensity to expose and ridicule them, that society would not be fit to live in, if irresponsible individuals had the power of publishing with impunity whatever their malice, their avarice, or their wantonness, might induce them to disseminate abroad. It may, indeed, here be asked, what must that life be, that would not bear exposure? and what must be the dispositions of those, whom nothing but punishment could restrain? Let the question suffice for the present; and let the heart of every individual furnish the requisite reply. Human Life, then, as exhibited in the Contents of a Newspaper,-does, upon the whole, by no means appear in the most favourable light; yet its general accuracy can hardly be disputed. Let this reflection lessen the pride of those, who are fond of dilating on the dignity of human nature, and stimulate all to the pursuit of those virtues, by which human life may be rendered an object more worthy of admiration. 84 ASTREA: A POE M. ADDRESSED TO MYRA. "Astrea's altar burned With holy incense." The action of this Poem may be placed between the years 1194 and 1645. THE FIRST CANTO. "The Cretan soil," the wild Dictean cave Where Jove was born, the ever verdant meads of Ida." I. AKENSIDE. A VOICE came to me in my youth-“ Aspire !” To where the Muses nine blent many a tone; Where, graved in letters of eternity, Meed is recorded of those sons of soul,* Whose thoughts have been ethereal as their goal. CANDIA! mild clime swayed by the temperate year, "Such bliss to one alone Of all the sons of soul was known."-COLLINS. The Judgment-seat of Hell-that Judge severe, FULL-RICHLY, on the royal Banquet-board, Of virtue, which around her sheds the day, (Though glows each courtier with the charming theme, ODE. 1. CUPID! who may scorn thy sway? *Candia is plentifully covered with corn and fruit-trees. The neighbouring hills are overspread with vineyards, which produce the malmsey of Mount Ida. 11. Down the beach, and in the sea Dives the desperate maid- and now, Goddess-virgin of the bow! 12. Who may then defy thy power? By a single shaft was quelled! III. The lyrist ceased: -Now cleared the monarch's brow, Each object of her blazon, and for sport Confound distinction in her vague report, Exalt the humble, and abase the high, Than what the subject warrants, were it seen?" "My sovereign, were she seen, would soon confess ARISTES' humble bed enjoys the dame Whom Nature never meant for mortal flame; Such beauty, virtue, majesty combined. Some with these spells would challenge wealth and power, |