LIFE.

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 68

LIFE.

Problem of problems'. Half its facts unstated, Question no proud philosopher may solve, Protean sea, 'of mysteries undated, "Who may thy meaning and thy worth evolve. Ciadlecl in darkness — into darkness going. Bursting so brilliantly between each pole ; To youth and beauty in their triumph—glowing; To age and sorrow— bitterness of soul. A vast embroidery, wherein the pattern growing May not to mortal eyes appear— Whose vision, purblind, marvels at the showing — The side that's wrong, unbeautiful, severe. A journey where the pilgrims often tiring, Forget the palaces 'yond hill and plain, Those fields delectable, to which the few aspiring, The crown beholding, may the cross sustain. A school wherein its sad, xmwilling, scholars Are forced to work, with many weary sighs, "Where eager students suffer bitter dolours, And earn — sometimes too late — a prize. Battle for some, and tournament for many, In great green gardens where fair lilies grow, Or galley — whence the toilers, .few, if any, Escape to cheer the others as they row. A dream from which there is but one awaking, A path in which each soul must walk alone, Its misery or its ecstasy still making In fields illimitable — unknown. Nay! not unknown — a glorious revelation Pins drawn away the shadow from the throne, And teaches that beyond this dark probation " Light for the righteous is in gladness sown. —JOYCE JOCELYN. Auckland, October 27.