POET'S CORNER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1813, 20 August 1886, Page 30

POET'S CORNER.

Disappointment. I toiled for the steep heights. " I will not tread In the low valley, gathering flowers," I said, And turned my face unto a mountain height Towering so far, far up 'twas dim to sight. The way was dreary— oft I was weary ! I reached the top at length. Alone, and — night. I bartered for a gem all I possessed — My peace of mind, all hops of love or rest. " Oh, but," I murmured oft, "this gem is worth More than all else upon the changeful earth." And lo 1 one day it turned to clay, * And my poor heart of all its gold was dearth. I wandered on a shore, when, out at sea, A voice — oh, God, how dear ! — kept calling me To come and take the helm and steer straight. I went— and struck upon the rock of adverse fate ; The boat went down, and I must drown, For heip is none - or else ifc comes too late. The Ring's Motto. A lover gave the wedding ring Into a goldsmith's hand. " Grave me," he said, " a tender thought Within the golden band." The goldsmith graved, With careful art, •' Till death us part." The wedding bells rang gladly out. The husband said, " O, wife, Together we shall share the grief, The happiness of life. I give to thee My hand, my heart, Till death us part." 'Tw s qho that lifted now his hand (O love that this should be), Than on it placed the golden band, And whispered tendorly : • " Tiil death us join, Lo, thou art mine And I am thine ! And when death joins we nevermore Shall know an aching heart. The bridal of thai better lore, Death has no power to part, V That troth will be ' • For thee and me * Eternity." So up the hill and down the hill, Through fifty changing years, They shared each others happiness, They dried each other's tears. , Alas ! alas 1 That death's cold dart • Such love can part l But one sad day she stood alone Beside his narrow bed ; She drew the ring from off her hand, And to the goldsmith said : " Oil, man who grayed With careful art, ' ' ' Till death us part,' Now grave four other words for me— ' Till death us join.' " He took The precious golden band once more With solemn, wistful look, And wrought with care, For love, not coin, "Till death us join."