THE CALL OF DUTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 65

THE CALL OF DUTY.

I.— THE SOLDIER'S FAREWELL.

Farewell, my belov'd, it is bitter

From thee and my country to part, But the truivpot ol war thot is sounding Thrills btrong in the soldier's heart, And Duty is calling, my darling, The Flag of our Kingdom to save, 'Mid the Transvaal's wild mountains and valleys Far ovei the blue rolling wave. There 'freedom and honour are threatcn'cl, And the ciyof a nation opprest, With its echoing call to the world, Stirs the spirit of war m my breast, Anrl forth with the bravest of comrades, " The boys " from Zealandia's fair shore, I must go, but your fond parting kisses Will gladden the future, asthore. But if I should fall in the battle, Keep sorrow from crushing your heart, And be proud that your lov'd one died nobly, Fulfilling a true soldier's part! So good-bye once again, and forget not The love of a loyal heart and brave, I'll return when the war is over, Or carry your name to the grave.

II.— THE MAIDEN'S EEPLY. Love's parting is hard, dear, but never, Though lonely and sad I may be, Would I ask thee for love's sake to tarry, Or bs aught but a soldier for rue; While Duty and Honour are calling, And Freedom is weeping amain, Go forth with thy connades to battle, And conquer or add to the slain. Do not think me unfeeling or cold, dear, When I urge you thus proudly to go, . For the love of a proud heart is stronger, And keener its feeling of woe ; But the bright star of Love that is shining So clear on our pathway now, If Duty and Honour were scorned, Would fade in its beauty, I trow. And if you should fall, my darling, 'Mid the tumult of shot" and shell, Where some of '" our boys " have fallen In doing their duty well, We shall meet in the Vale of Shadows, Never to part again. And the love of our true hearts be brighter For the waiting and weary pain. -M. A. J. WALL. Waitahuna, January, 1900.