LIFE.

SEEK ye a simile? Why, life is like

A waxen candle, through which runs the wick

Of human passions: light them, and they burn;

And down fall drops of mortal agony.

Quickly the flame devours all the substance

That once was white and pure and innocent,

But now is dark, defiled, and stained.

So human life and actions turn to ashes.

On burns the flame. Now, almost at the end,

It flickers, as in trouble; lower yet,

It, noiseless, makes its way; one gasp, - one last

Extending of the hands to Heaven, - 't is gone.