PRESCRIPTION. Translatkd from the German by J. H. Beale, Jr. "I ^HAT learned lawyer, Lucius Gay, Studied his Bracton night and day; Sometimes in Brooke his mind did soak, Then broiled his intellect on Coke. His wife, as lovely as a dream, Sat all alone and sewed a seam, Or with her female gossips three Imbibed at eve the cheerless tea : While in his study night and day, Glued to his book sat Lucius Gay. One day at last on Washburn's page About Prescription learned the sage, A right unused for certain years Is gone forever, it appears. A sudden thought inspired the man, Straight to his lovely spouse he ran; He kissed her on her lips so soft, And in his arms embraced her oft. Full sweetly smiled the wife at this; Five years and more she lacked a kiss. Consumed with curiosity, "My darling husband," queried she, "Why, after long, long years, my own, Have you at last so loving grown?" "Why?" answered he, with wit profuse, "To break the chain of adverse use. Six years' neglect of osculation Destroys the right by limitation : Now time begins to run anew; Safe for six years my rights in you." He spoke and to his books returned, And many another marvel learned.
