I DARE NOT WEEP TO-NIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 4292, 23 February 1884, Page 5 (Supplement)

I DARE NOT WEEP TO-NIGHT.

1 dare not weep to-night! And yet my heart is faint. It has such longings deep That words can never paint

For 6ilently and gravely. From the past's distant years, Wrapt in love's rosy mantle. Full many a ghost appears!

They troop around and near me, With hosts of mera'rica fled, And lift their hands in blessing. Then—fade as do the dead !

They point with silent fingers Unto my future years, And whisper little messages ] Sa'i-te1«12inBle<1 n °Pes and fears. Although the vision Tied with love's golden chords Of what—what might have been.

But when the sun is bright Clouds come across the sky. And even from Love's dreaming Must the brilliant colours die.

Yea, even o'er its pictures We must draw the curtain dark ; Whilst from the grave there comoth A very tiny spark.

Anil yet, T dare not weep. My heart has lost its will And now its only thought Is to rest and to be still.

So the phantoms pass before me. And not a tear weep I, Must have their time to die. Ada Wap.fj:n,