Forgot His Verse

In the early 'üOs of this centuiy Henry Clay was appointed by the legislature of Kentucky a commissioner to Virginia to ask of that state that a commission be appointed to make definite line of demarkation betwee tho two states. Upon nis arrival ii Richmond he was received with grea courtesy by its most distinguishe citizens. He said that his profession politics and affairs of government hat occupied his time so extensively tha he was aware of knowing little of po lite literature or the favorite publications of the day. This prompted him to ask an old friend whom he knew to be a literary man to select some Hnes to Introduce when addressing the legislatura, as a quotation expressive of his feelings toward the state of Virginia as his birthplace. His friecd suggested a stanza from Scott's "Lay of the Last Minstrel," which he highly approved and memorized. The day appointed for his address found galleries, halls and every avalla!)!; space crowded with eager, expectant auditors and many beautiful women in bright attire gave brilliancy to the scène. Clay held the attention of his audience with entire success until he carne to the part where he meant to introduce the quotation. Then his memory failed him. The shock was appalling for a moment. He stood rigid and palé before a thousand watchful eyes, and his mind only a blank, bofore him a turbulent sea of uptu'rned faces. With a characterlstic gesture threw up his hands to his forehead and in his most sonorous tones he recited the following words: Breathes there the man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land. He concluded his speech amid deafening applause. Everyone present had supposed that he was overeóme by emotiou, and none but the friend who had selected the quotation for Uim perceived the cause of his momentary