MELANCHOLY

Otago Witness, Issue 2719, 25 April 1906, Page 67

MELANCHOLY

Determination personified, why thus before me stand? Seeking to taunt me with great things in hand; Striving to force me tc thine iron will and word, Like the fated enemy before the soldier's sword. The' small, thou Last the ferpent's sting, And lion's power is on that wing ; That no man can resist the -weird spell, But groat and small alike before thee fall. Yea, ihcu cojnest to me in twilight's deepening shade, In evening, night, and moonlight's glistening glade ; And when my heart is happy and content. Yon touch me with your fiery o wcid, "Eepent." My sou! grows heavy in the little while, My besom swells, and fades my smile: One little vision thou hast brought to light, And joy and life fade from my sight. Vanish all, while thou art lingering here, With defiance bold against the Spirit cheer: Bending -every mortal down to mother earth. Unto solitude, poisoned with thy breath. And so you come upon us day and night, To chasten the heait when it grows too bright; To recall to our memory those darker days. And for God's tender mercies we should give praise. — Madame Pixn. Perth, W.A., March 23, 1906.