THE TRUE GENTLEMAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2604, 10 February 1904, Page 59

THE TRUE GENTLEMAN.

Who is the gentleman true? Is it the one who is dressed to kill As a tailor's model (with unpaat3 bill), Who, bedecked and bejewelled, from day to

day, Og'.es the girls to pass timis away ? Who is so proud of his hands so white, To see them dirty would die with fright, Who deems it a credit to live a life Of idleness, seeking to wiu a wife With plenty of money, to whom he tries To appear a model of sense and v.ise Until he succeeded in obtamdrg the cash, T'nen leaves her alone while he cuts a clash! Is it the one who tiirns night into day At billiards, cards, dnnkm-g, gambling away? Who freqxients the theatre, play, racecourse, Damning his soul without thought of remorse, Who speaks of all women with leering niiith, Frigcttmg the mother who gave him birth, Who thinks it a ciedit to cheat or lie. With no moral couiage refoim to try? Is this a gentleman true?

Who is the gentleman tiue? Is it the one who takes his place In Nature's scheme for the human race, Rising to work with the laik each cllay, Glad to earn money to pay his way. Heeding not though his clothes may be rough, His hands toil-hardened, it is enough For him to know they aie hard with work — The work he conquers, and will not shirk. Is it the one who would scoin any life Of idleness, or to depend on a wife, Deeming it rather a joy, not dread, His hands piovide all their claily bread? Is it the one who, with courage true, A-\o:ds the evils that end in rue, Who yet can take a foremost place In sports that mark the British Tace ? Who is stiaightforwarcil in eveiy deal, Whose woid can be held as bond or seal, Who treats with respect all womenkind, Who is not afiaici to speak his mmd — Is this a gentleman true? — Austral South.

Seacliff, Januaiy 30.