THE REIGN OF SATURN.

"Aurea prima sata est aetas qua vindice nullo

Sponte sua, sine lege, fidem rectumque colebat."

THE legend says that in the golden time

When Saturn's sceptre blessed the blooming earth,

Men's hearts were filled with overflowing mirth,

And love and peace dwelt in that happy clime.

For never yet had thought of war or crime

In simple guileless bosoms had its birth,

And never yet had meagre, wasting Dearth

Dared enter where reigned Plenty in her prime.

Men lived as brothers, and their lives were long;

Their lives were free from discord, free from care.

All day the woodlands echoed to the song;

And sounds of feasting filled the evening air.

And often came the glorious Gods among

These happy men, their sweet delights to share.

"Postquam, Saturno tenebrosa in Tartara misso sub Jove mundus erat,"

But Jove against his father Saturn rose,

And harshly drove him from his ancient throne,

Then wandered forth the crownless God alone,

His hoary head bent low with weight of woes,

Leaving his kingdom to his sons, - his foes.

Sad was it for the world when he was gone.

Peace from the mourning earth, and joy were flown.

War on the heels of Hatred followed close,

And Famine spread her black wings o'er the land.

O then, those miserable men were fain

To have their father Saturn come again;

Were fain to have the feet of Plenty stand

In her old Temple; and dread Famine bound.

Alas! alas! Their wishes were in vain.

N. H. D.