Original Poetry.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVII, 23 January 1858, Page 4

Original Poetry.

TO A FRIEND ON NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Dea* Sib,

Permit my simple lay To greet you thus this New Year's Day, And though my verse uncouth appear, I wish you, sir, a gude New Year. 0 could I but Parnassus spiel Wi' Burns, that gifted ploughman chiel, I'd gio you then a hearty cheer, In wishin' you a gude New Year. But though I canna climb tho height, I'll strike the chords wi' a' my might, And raise a note to friendship dear, In wishin' you a gudo New Year. For were it not that sacred bond, That binds us in affection fond, The warld wad bo a desert drear, And whar wad be tho gude New Year. True happiness is no in wealth ; Tho miser wi 1 his honrded pelf, Is but a wretch wi' a' his gear, And never knows a good New Year. It's no in pleasure to be found, For where her vot'ries run their round, There's something aye to cause a tear, And bring to them a sad New Year. But it's wi' hull however bare, That has a faithful freen' to share His joys, nnd dry the gathering tear, To such I wish a gude New Year. An 1 you have oft assuaged my grief, An' brought my burdened mind relief, An' iitreturn wi' heart sincere, 1 wis_syou now a gude New Year. Long may your dainty wifie's smile, Tho warld an' a' its cares beguile, Chase frae your bosom every fear, And share your joys on each New Year. Long may your bairnies ane and a' Your lads and bonny lassies bra' Augment your joys, nor cause a tear, But inak you happier each New Year. And as the seasons whirl their round, Still may your happiness abound, May God his choicest blessings pour, So prays your faithful W. MOOEE. Waimea West, Ist January, 1858.

What we submit to.— Mr. Peabodyone day came in from a walk. His wife said to him, " I have been thinking of our situation, and have determined to be submissive and patient." "Ah," said he, "that is a good resolution ; let us see what we have to submit to. I will make a list of our trials. First, we have a home : we will submit to that. Second, we have the comforts of life : we will submit to them. Thirdly, we have each other. Fourthly, we have a multitude of friends, Fifthly, we have God to take care of us." "Ah ! " said she, " pray stop : I will say no more about submission." — Rev. J. F. Clarke.

Hope for the Widows. — A friend tells us that, some dozen or fifteen years ago, when he had the "melancholy duty" to stand behind the counter in a country shop, dealing out the " best selected stock," he was once brought very suddenly to a state of unutterable wonderment. A youthful and pretty woman, robed in deep black, approached him, and asked to look at his " Gleam of comfort." "At what, madam?" said he, puzzled, confounded, and confused at what appeared to him a singular request. "Gleam of Comfort, young man; haven't you it, or don't you know what it is?" said the lady. " Yes, madam, most likely we have it. What is it like — is it dry goods or groceries ? " " Dry goods or groceries ! " echoed the lady, looking at our friend in a way that made him feel decidedly uncomfortable. " Sir, it is a mourning calico of the second grade, for widows of three weeks. It is well known, sir, with us in the city. I am astonished at your ignorance." The frightened young man could only stammer out, "they hadn't any of that particular kind."

Chab__s Lucas.

Transatlantic Toasts. — Tall toasts are in great demand in America. At a late public meeting, the following " dry" toast was given {the author of which got "buttered" when he readied home) : — "The press, the pulpit, and the petticoats — the three ruling powers of the day. The first spreads knowledge, the second spreads morals, and the last spreads considerably."