LIFE'S COMPENSATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2513, 14 May 1902, Page 59

LIFE'S COMPENSATIONS.

Each life hath compensations, Spite of crosses and vexations, And hosts of temptations to allure— These but chiselings and polishings In architect's furnishings, The beauty of the statue to ensure. But lives have limitations, That bound compensations In their own appointed stations By the hour ; Each has its own horizon As scope of operation — Another life s vocation Is not within its power. Material compensation Is theme of conversation, And bare of legislation ! In these days Labour legislation, Boards of Conciliation, Courts of Arbitration Fill the press. Workers' associations, Labour organisations, Cry for compensations By the score; But monetary compensations, Though important considerations: Moral compensations Are far more. If money, goods, possessions, And love of wealth's accessions, Were all life's compensations, 'Twere premature; The best interpretations Of life's compensations Say abundance of possessions Won't happiness secure. Life's compensations Are not to favoured nations, Nor rank of social stations To procure; But the effort to do Eight, When Right's an uphill fight, And wrong hath emoluments To lure. When we're rescued from temptation And all selfish inclination, 'Twill be real compensation To be pure, When our deeds of Love expand To our credit on demand, Heart compensation rather than the hand Will be sure. The millionaire and politician Haven't all the compensation, Though exalted their position To the few ; The city arab and the beggar Can happy be as either, Though their outward condition May be low. The awards of compensations By the Judge of all the nations To mankind of all stations Will be won By the steadfast in the faith, Even unto bond's death, To whom the Judge will give The overebmer's crown. — A. Russell. Glenkenich, May, 1902.