Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

48
THE ATTEMPT
an improvement on the railway travelling of the present day, as will enable wistful
songsters to land by the side of Nancy in the Strand, or present themselves in time
for tea in the land of Uixey, immediately on the expression of their desire so to do;
hut as civilization advances gradually, we may content ourselves with wishing for the
coming of such golden days, and therein have perhaps more pleasure than their
possession might afford us. Grapes often look much sweeter than they taste, and the
anticipation of many a day of pleasure is far superior to what is often a dull reality.
Preach of the blessings of contentment who will to those who can be contented (and
they are few), hut do not check the harmless wish, whether possible of fulfilment or
not.
Though wrong to covet, we have no prohibition as to wishing; so, my dear lady
readers, and you of the stronger sex who have any respect for girlish advice, he sure to
visit a wishing-well when in the country next summer, and there drink to the
accomplishment of all your wishes, whether they he ridiculous or not. Make as merry
as you choose with hoping for the occurrence of impossible events, but forget not to
send round this toast, “ Long Success to ‘ The Attempt,’ and may all the contributors
to that wonderful Magazine write hooks which will go through half-a-dozen editions.”
Elfie.
Jflcrfottrs.
Flowers ! with their name they bring
A thousand memories of pleasant hours;
Of birds upon the wing,
Of cloudless skies they breathe, earth’s radiant flowers.
Draw, draw ye softly \igh,
Bearing bright buds, and lilies of the stream,
And strew them silently
Where the young heart doth in its gladness dream.