THE PLAY OF LIFE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2298, 17 March 1898, Page 63

THE PLAY OF LIFE.

Life is a well-played drama, full of stirring acts and scenes ; Vice and Vntue ever stvuggling, circumventing ways and means : Sad and mournful "situations," "tragic acts," and fearful crimes Form tbe niamst-iy of the " drama" of the life of modern t>mrs. But when ''heavy act 3" oppress us, or a scene is full of gWef, Then h is th^g world'- "comedians'" timely "entrance ' bring-s "relirf. Celebrate. 1 in-'ii and women, wealthy men, and paupers too Tread ihe mgn:y stage together when the curtain's raised to view. Some make " entrance " vith a flourish, play tte "leading" paits with skill, Others barely prove successful in the "characters" they fill, While the great array of " supers " — some in rags, some g ily dns.-iser! — Pill ths sta<re in " situations " — they're the puppets of the rest. Kiug3 and princes, politicians, statesmen, ministers, and lores, Master men and starying workers form the " cast " upon the " boaids." Every man is " letter perfect," so each " scene " runs smoothly through, For to guide this "cast" of players Time, the " prompter," gives the " cue." Xiove and duty, vice and vii'tue,.»re the -subjects ever.rife, , ,' And the choice is with the actors in this modern " Play of Life." Wb n « th«» enrrain once has risen on the first scene held to view Ne'ei again will it bs lowered till Time, the " piompter," gives the " cus." First t&e newborn, helpless infant, nestling at its mother's breast, Takes the stag**, and with t"he audience gains the liveliest interest : ]?*vonrs shower in abundance on the tiny little mite. In the first tcene he's the leader, and his presence makes thi. gs bright ; He's the idol of the hour, for bis acting is complete, Ana bis winsome ways a.nd znannsrs draw the v-hole world at his feet ; Eut he soon must niake his "exit," though his presence will be rife In the changeful scenes and actions of this modern "Play of Life." Next upon the boards the schoolboy bounds with boisterous, careless mien ; "While he holds the stage the audience sees the best and brightest scene ; Fun aad pastime, sport and study, form a " seriocomic" art, And with mirth you heed, his stories— youthful fiction mixed with fact. He will tell you of the schoolmate whom he's made his fastest chum. And he'll tell you of their compact to be so in years to c me. In his acts of fun and frolic one has borne the brunt with him, And before be nukes his exit he leads forward his pal Jim. Han rt 111 hana they stand together e'er the ecene draws to a clo3e — Will 1 hose school ues be forgotten when into the world each goes ? The drama's isappiesi scene has ended, next must follow Si-enes of strife — Men contending for the honours in the modern " Play of Life." Scenes within the busy city does the third act bring to light — Prosperous mcc, and ill-paid Bervants slaving hard from morn till night ; Thieves and vagabonds abundant, types of life in every phase Tread the mighty stage together, all upon their separate waj s. To the fora the leading actors, wealthy traders and the like — In the backgiound are their puppets, sweated workmen out on strike. There the banker, there the broker, holding millions at their call — There the starving beggar, craving for such crumbs as chance may fall ; Here the company promoter, swindling fools without regard — There the tramp, who stole from hunger, undergoing labour hard. In the wealthy banker yonder is a face we've seen before — He's the boy who to his school chum vows of lasting friendship swore. And the seedy-looking beggar who comes to him asking aid Is hi.s one-time chum — his schoolmate— to whom tho3e vows Avere made. Hear him ask, "Have you forgotten how we loved when we were boys — How when we were toddling chi'dren we would share each other's toys ? Can you say you don't remember how 1 gave a helpiDg hand When Fate threatened you with ruin ? ' Did I not by your side stand ? You have prospered since, while I, Jack, l>y misfortune have been met ; Still, God know? I'd not remind you if old ties you would forget. But I'm poimiless and starving, have no place to test to-night ; While you have prospered in life' 3 string I have fallen in the iight. GUve me but a chance of working— l'm too '?— say you so ? your appearance when I helned nic, then, Jack? Well, good.- ; old chum, we "returns

Three yea^ pass, ,iud siill the city, though the sc^ce i* somewhat strange. Here we see the famous biukcr, known to eyeryon< " ou 'pharos" ; But Ins f ee ib 'iniie farmu.ir— he's the beggar who cr.ntnvul : By a li;c!:y sticke of fcitune he lias risen once a?;cun, But Jus l-e-rb i-~ p.l'wyi conscious of a slight which g-pvp h't'i piia. He \\-Aa lizard hi-> one Mine ..Mihool chum — he who once refused him aid — lias been hardly hit by fortune, and a bankrupt h*s been made. All the love of those old schooldays, all the promises come buck, Aiir* though he refused him succour, sUll he is his } old pal J^pk. j Ail Iris anger is forgotten — he'll r.ct like a friend s aod man, I Ttil him he forgives him freely, and will save > iiim if he can. Full o c pity he goes to him in his hour of grief ami shame, And saya ne, "We on"c wore chums, Jack; let ne ptove I'm still the same ; Don't look sh?mfc-faced for jour conduct— l for«iv-- you — here's rey hdnd ; Let ttk i • »tiT? sjd misfortune as a fi-itiicl by your side stand. I have plenty, and can save you —few yet know your thiej.ter.ed fate ; ThcuKh you once refused to help me I'll r.ot pay you back with liate. Let Giir riiiference bs forgotten, all our faults which we should mendThough the world might call it folly I will ,4and beside my friend ! " Thus this true and noble fellow saw him eafely through the strife : Would that there v.ere others like him in the modern " Play of Life ! " — W. E. Mannixg.