In Musing Vein.

Otago Witness, Issue 2287, 30 December 1897, Page 40

In Musing Vein.

A3 o'er the chequered board I fondly gazs, My fancy, unimprisoned, idly strays ; And stronger grows that subtle, dreamy spell Felt by the warm fireside at daylight's knell. When shadows vague and glowing coals inspire Imagination like a sweet-toned lyre. A thousand thoughts upon me flock amain, And runneth somewhat thus their musing strain I Deny that profound sentiment who can, "The fittest study for mankind is Han." His love, his pride, his triumph, hope, and fear. Each find a parallel through Dameh's seerDo not the wooden checks resemble Man 1 ; Placid behind, or turbulent in van, All puppets' of a mighty Hand on high,. His purpose wide too puny to descry ; .Some trttept off Quickly, DU t a breath their life* Nipped in the bud at th« first sign of strife ; • - Others swim bravely, taking all before, Bediademmed on a far distant shore. Somet\nies, alack! vain and presumptuous grown,* Oraspinß too much, at one fell stroke overthrown. Some bold in mid-board proudly take their place ; Some side, serpent-like, throughout the race. :- And a 8 each man his devious way pursue?, Gains here a comrade, there a friend to lose. They cross and recross, and— how passing strange f— • Men clash that steer from antipodeal range ; By fate propelled, nursed in far sundered lands. In love, or deadly hate, to link tbeir strands. The dusky negro, or white skin, more sage, Fills in the Book of Life hi 3 little page. The villain black stalks ghoul-like in the night. Shines on the good the sun'» half -haloed light. But all — old, joung, high, humble— actors mere, Who play their partc, and vanish from the sphere. — Frank Sherwood, in Leeds Mercury.