Burying all painful bygones deep, Far out of thought and sight, Sweet peace possessing, reconciled, In new love-bonds unite. And round the merry Christmas board Pledges of good-will give, That they can, once a year, at least, Old grudges quite forgive. And let the poor, the blind, the maimed Be kindly feted, too; In blessing others all are bathed In blessings rich and new. Thus, peace-proclaiming, loving friend, Time-honoured Christmas dear, Thou wilt, indeed, have well fulfilled Thy love-fraught mission here. * * * * * A VICTIM TO MODERN INVENTIONS. (_Founded on a tale which appeared in Chambers' Journal, 4th series, No. 630, Saturday, January 22nd, 1876, page 69_.) Since quite a boy Hal Gradient had been Noted for ingenuity--between The hours when not on active duty he Immersed in some new scheme was sure to be; So, by the age of twenty-five he grew Absorbed in plans, constructive, rare and new. We both in engineering works were then, On contract work engaged in France, when He the gratifying news received, That some unknown rich relative had died, Leaving him sole executor and heir To an estate both lucrative and fair. Prior to leaving for his native land, He said to me, Now, Mark, my friend, you understand, I shall expect to see you at my home As soon as your engagement here is done; And such a home, my boy, as you shall see,