THE DIGGER'S GRAVE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1488, 22 May 1880, Page 24

THE DIGGER'S GRAVE.

In his yonth he sailed for Australia's shore And left his native land, ' And he thought of happy dayi in store As he reached that foreign strand. But how oft fond hopes we cherish To be quickly dashed aside; Like the snow-flakes white they perish, As it melts on the rolling tide. Coy Fortune with a winning>mile Did all his actions crown, But rudely In a little while His hopes were stricken down. For years he toiled for the hidden gold, And many a field did roam, Still though his heart was stout and bold, He pined for his native home. And he thought of friends long waiting there To welcome his return, And of one whose form was queenly fair, Who his absence long did tuourn. And soon to the home of his youth, he thought In a little while to go; But how oh are joys with sorrows fraught — Soon a fever laid him low. And his mates till the close of that weary day Their stricken comrade bore, But he eltpt a oleep by the side of the way From which be awoke no more. And as he closed his eyes in death, His thoughts we<e far away, And slowly with hb parting breath isigat chased another day. There, close beside a ripplinff brook, And 'neitb. a gum-tieo'ii shade, Far in a cool and shady nook Their comrade's grave they made. And there they laid him slowly down — At morn bo frcßh and fair, At even the flowers of life were bloom And scattered in the air. Still sweeily sings the rippling brook, Still sichs the gentle breeze, Still tho leaves, by gentle zephyers shook, Fall from tho lofty trees. There still he sleeps iv that glade so dark, Once stalwart, firm, and bravo. And nought svye & prasey mound does mark The lonely Digger's Grave. M. ROBS. Tapanui, April, 1880.