I. Life inexorably slides away from us.

Once, and only once, it seemed to pause. How often since has Joshua's

prayer been prayed again! By the fearful,--the wretch to be hanged at

eight o'clock to-morrow morning, the man whom the next train will part

from all he loves. By the hopeful,--the child wearying for the

holidays, the bridegroom,

'Gallop apace, ye fiery-footed steeds!'