THE GAME OF LIFE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1289, 12 November 1896, Page 19

THE GAME OF LIFE.

This life is like a game of cards, which mortals have to learn.Each shuffles, puts and deals the pack and each a trnmp doth turn.Some bring a high card to the top- and soma will bring a low. Some hold a hand quite full of trumps and some but few can show.

In playing pome throw out their trumps their winning card to save. Some play the king, some play the deuce, but many play the knave. Some play for money, some for love and some for worldly fame, But not until the hand's played out can they count up their game.

When hearts are trumps we pJsy for love and pleasure rtJlea the hour. No thought of sorrow checks our in beauty's rosy bower. We laugh, we dance, ssveet verses write, otrr cards at random play. And while the heart remains cm top, our life's a holiday .-

When diamonds chance to rule the pack the players stake their gold, And heavy sums are lost and won by players young and old ; Each one, intent upon the game, doth watch with eager eye, That he may see his neighbour's cards and cheat him on the sly.

When clubs are trumps look out for war on ocean or on land, For awful deeds of blood are done when clubs are held in hand. Then lives are staked instead of gold and dogs of war are freed, And sad it is for any land when clubs are in the lead. Last game of all is when the spade is turned by the hand of Time. He waits for the end of the player's game in every age and clime. No matter how much each one wins or how much each may savej The spade will finish up the game and dig the player's grave. Rochester Herald.