ORIGINAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 181, 3 October 1866, Page 3

ORIGINAL.

REFLECTIVE VER ES. It has been said, yea often said. That this pood world is steep'd in crime; That one sad act, has mankind laid In misery, throughout all time. This may be true— but, still I ween, J All generous deeds do pleasures bring, j In spite of all that e'er has been, And to the poor man as the king. Man's mind is fitted to enjoy The purest charms of earthly bliss, And little does its peace desiroy Excepting sordid selfishness. I've seen within a humble cot A mother singing to her child ; Have almost envied them their lot, Of joy so pure and undefil'd. And as she clasp'd her litt'e dear, And dandled it upon her knee, My eyes were pleased as well's my oar, So much of happiness to see ; For oft she ceased her simple strain, To bless the baby with a kiss; Anon, to carol forth again The transport of her bosom's bliss. I've seen a maid in bridal dress Blush beams of bliss on all around; Her ev'ry feature did express A happiness the most profound. A modest youth was by her side. Wlio.-c looks with joy were running o'er; He gazed upon his destin'd bride As he had seldom gazed before. Were not their hearts the homes of bliss, Pure, as the dew-drop's purity; Or as the smiling baby's kiss, While seated on the mother's knee. These are but glimpses of delight, The human heart has often felt; For nothing does destroy with blight, Eliss in the soul, excepting guilt. As mankind act so do they ieel; Blest is the bosom pure and true, Which has but little to conceal, With r'ot one deed of crime to rue. j 'Tis true, the generous and the just May sometimes under sufferings groan, But, suffer not as wretches must V\ ho have, nor truth, nor mercy known. TheSR wretches who in durance lie— j These guilty types of all that's sad — Might truly tell the misery, That wnits upon the base and bad. In crime their days have been consumed, All human laws have dared to brave, Eeckless, although they might be doomd To fill a murd'rer's bated grave. • | Have they one hour of pleasure known j In their career ? Ah! surely no: < , j While justice sits upon the throne, Dire punishment on crime must flow. W. Hogg. October Ist, 1866.