A HAUNTED HOUSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1899, 26 June 1890, Page 37

A HAUNTED HOUSE.

The silent house is hauuted ; I hear the voices low That come and tell in whispers Their tales of long ago. Some have sweet, tales of s<idneßs, And some nre grave and wise. And look their thoughts o* wisdom From vi'ry earnest eyes Liko ihe sweet breath of summ<»r. Some whisper of thoir lovo, And of tlm ros« unfading lv gaideno fair .ibove. And come with child's glad glances Lilt up their faco to mine ; And ihsu tlie haunted chamber deems liko a hill divine. Who* c*re« of day are over, And sleep my eyelids press, The gentle angel phantoms A r e lingering near to bless. And happy thoughts come to me In measured hours and slow, With flowers on their pinions Of days of long ago.

I see a stately lady, A fair and anoient dame, Who brings a happy influence, But never tells her name. H.^r face is grave and gentle - Her eyes if eyes can speak— fay " Pity to the ignorant And mercy to the weak." And pattering up the stairway There cometh childish feef , And happy childish laughter, The weary world to greet. Atid could the spirit vision Observe the sweet lips mow, They'd torm "Bright Heaven sent me To teach the noild to love." Sometimes dark shadows haunt mo With footsteps sad and Blow, Aud seem to mock and taunt me With days ot long ago. Then like a rush of angels, Will swift winged comfort come. And in a tone caressing Beseech them to be dumb. And many a glorious vision Of what is yet to be. And many an hour of transport, A haunted house doth tee. The ladder bright and golden, Long since by Jacob seen, Seems leading to the summits, All capped with silver sheen; Where rivers pure and liquid Shall quench .man's thirst at laßt, And fruit of his own conquest shall satisfy his fast. 'Tiß gone, the hour of dreaming, The phantoms all have fled ; But I can scarcely tell them, '1 lie living from tht. dead. —Alice.