AT THE SIGN OF THE LYRE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVII, Issue 2691, 14 December 1895, Page 1 (Supplement)

AT THE SIGN OF THE LYRE.

THE TENTH MUSE,

The following are some extracts from Sir Edwin Arnold’s latest poem, “ The Tenth Muse,” the title with which he designates the Press: — Tho wide'world’s friend is she With tireless eyes which soo. Whatever anywhere befalls ; with ears Opened, by night, by day, To what men do or say. All Iho far cohoes of all months and years. And what she learns alone Swiftly she maheth known With voice majestic, world-extending, high ; Hath not a tongue more free, Nor more all-covering is tho arching sky.

Also her heart is act , On hopes, undreamed of yet By those who worshipped once, old bards and sapes: The onward march of Man From what began > His uprise, to the goal of all the Ages. The peoples of the plain •Tour Gods did once disdain From lodge of liaught Olympus, ’mid their clouds, For them our Mistress hath Largo pity; and hot wrath ’Gainst such as scorn and slight her patient crowds. - ;i •'

To minister to those . ’Neath all the roaring seas, Her messengers, tamed lightnings, come and • go.' O’er all the busy lands Her duteous eyes and hands Gather up knowledge, that the people know. From them she hath her power, And hour by hour To thorn sho payeth back her debt of dafcenoss., Accomplishing full score With blessings more and more, And service wrought in silence and sedateness.

And if, indeed, her hand Wieldeth no fiery brand ; • To strike oppression down, stay the wrong, doer/ * Chastise the wicked law, And guilty plunder draw From wealthy robbers, and be swift pursuer Of crime and guile ; alway To seize, and smite, and slay, Muses! this plumed quill which sho doth bear Is keener in the strife, ■ ; , , Strikes closer to the life, Than sword of Themis or Athene’s spear.

Of this the subtle point, - f ?. ‘" / Pierceth each armour joint/, ' ■*; In rich rogues’ pride and evil men’s contriv- . . ing; There stands no shame so strong It shall, for long, Make bead against oiir Lady’s ceaseless striving; For, clad in living light, . ’Gainst Darkness docs she fight; And girt with knowledge, Ignorance she chases; High Muses ! welcome her— Our World’s InterpreterGlad and caressing to t your heavenly Places, So, in the sacrod ranks, ’ Tor all men’s love and thanks, - Ephemera, Tenth Muse, sits safe to-day, Our Lady of the Lamp, Whomwe, of many a camp, Servo daily—for her work’s sake—and obey; Not holding any grace, or any gift Too precibus to unlift In homage to heir; deeming all her light; Nor ever once ashamed / . So wo be named Pressmen ; Slaves of the Lamp; Servants of Light. • ■