FALLEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 49

FALLEN.

The stir and din of the city Hose clear on th' evening air, As the varying ciowd was passing Under the gaslight's glare, Showing in hurrying masses The many aspects of life, From th' rich and proud and honour'd To the poor, all wants and strife. Drifting along in the moving crowd, As sere leaves drift in a stream, Was a girl with youth and beauty Enough for life's brightest dream; But Sin and Shame and Dishonour

Had Innocence sweet replaced, And made her a social outcast

On Vice's loathsome waste.

Forlorn and sad she wander'd

The peopled way along, Yet through tho years she heard again Her mother's evensong. How pure seemed childhood's paradise! — How was it that she fell ?—? — Ah, trusting love to her fond heart

Of Eden seem'd to tell.

As on she went she slowly passed A friend of other days, Before she lost "her footing In Life's rough, thorny maze. Then, moved by sudden impulse, She turned and tracked her friend, Whose love in happier moments Could cherish and defend.

She might speak to the social outcast

In tones devoid of scorn ; But she quickly glanced and turn'd away, And left the sad to mourn, Or tread the bitter pathway Whence Innocence had fled, Though kindness on the weary heart Would Heav'n's own light have shed.