A citizen of Bardstown, Ky., since 1847, but a native of Staunton, Va., was born July 8, 1816—son of Dabney Cosby, and grandson of two revolutionary soldiers. He was educated at Hampden Sidney College; read a thorough course of law, but abandoned it for theology; pursued his studies for the ministry at Union Seminary, Va., and at Princeton, N.J.; preached for three years in North Carolina and Virginia, and in 1847 was called to Bardstown, where he still lives (1874). Mr. Cosby has written many fugitive pieces, but only one poem of any considerable length, "Consecration," published in pamphlet form, 51 pp., 12mos., in April, 1874 . . . .

Song

A gentle wind, unvoiced
     Along its viewless way,
By chance smote on a Lily bell
     Wherein a Dew-drop lay;—
The drop, in perfumed fragments fell,
     And, whispering in my ears,
The Spring wind sigh'd and sweetly said
     "I've kissed a Beauty's tears."

That wind was as my thought
     Which wandered here and there,
Loving, but restless not to find
     A love-shrine any-where,
Till smiting on thy love-dewed heart
     The spell of silence broke,
And through the chambers of my soul
     Exquisite music woke.

1848

Poetry