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Museum of Wonder: Upon

Quick answer came, "Ay, ay, sir!" Dashing on, The ship drove through the night, and watchers glad Thought they could see afar dim lights that shone Upon the land; but what of these, while close Behind, around, the flames devouring rose? "All in the pilot's hands and God's!" Alone Beneath the pelting hail of fire he stands, The scathing blast and stifling smoke-clouds blown About his form, while from his quivering hands, Shrivelled and torn, the blood drips-round his head The circling flames are like an aureole spread. "Two minutes more! Two minutes to the end!"

Wrung from death's agony the answering cry, "Ay, ay, sir!" comes. Nearer the flames they bend votes were refused.

Several meetings were held by the officers and members at the lodgings of the lord-general in Whitehall. A few gave their assent; the rest declared that the dissolution would be dangerous, and the establishment of the proposed council unwarrantable. In the meantime, the House resumed the consideration of the new representative body; and several qualifications were voted, to all of which the officers raised objections, but chiefly to the "admission of members," a project to strengthen the government by the introduction of the Presbyterian interest. "Never," said Cromwell, "shali any of that judgment who have deserted the good cause be admitted to power."

At the last meeting, held on the 19th of and warmly debated. Some of the officers 1 declared that the Parliament must be dis- To catch the last gasped words, "Sir-I-I'll try!" April, 1653, all these points were long Broad looms the land, and now the keel is grating Upon the shore, where life and hope are waiting. ..........