THE FISHERMAN'S CHILDren.

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THE SECRET DISCOVERED.

We will reveal to the reader the secret, when we are in the confidence of one of the boisterous group that treat their prisoner somewhat roughly. Indeed we are not sure that they themselves have solved the riddle, for the sly gazers seem so intent that their surmises still require confirmation. The artist's name has been by some accident omitted, but we suppose this pleasing picture to be the production of Watteau. The engraver has been eminently successful in conveying the peculiar qualities of this artist's style. The grouping of the figures is ingenious and graceful, the light and shade ably distributed, and the whole in good keeping with the gay and merry nature of the subject.

VOL. III.

THE FISHERMAN'S CHILDREN.

How gloriously the sun, with radiant beams,
Illumines the broad ocean. A bright line
Almost too dazzling for the eye of man,
Proclaims his progress in the arch of heav'n,
The white rocks glistens in the sultry haze,
Peaceful the mighty sea, no threat'ning roar
Of angry waters fills the mind with fear.
Listless the twins, in infant beauty clad,
Await their sire's return, for the stern man
Who boldly brav'd the dangers of the deep
To earn for those he lov'd a pittance scant,
Was sooth'd and softened by their childish smiles,

And winning ways of childhood. Many a tale

He told them of the fisher's daring life,

And though but little skill'd in learned lore,

He oft related (for they lov'd to hear)

Of uncouth beings that infest the deep,
Of mermaids, krakens, and of spirits strange,
That in unearthly whispers, in the night,
Foretold the fate of many a comrade bold.
His hour is not yet come, for lo, from far
His tiny bark like a dim speck is seen,
No swelling sails are filled, with lusty oar
He now advances to the rippling wave
That murm'ring breaks along the peaceful shore.
His children clap their hands; their sturdy sire
Forgets his labour in one fond embrace.

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