NIGHT VOICES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2915, 26 January 1910, Page 77

NIGHT VOICES.

The moonbeams glint against the window,. While, in a semi-conscious state, Half sleeping, half waking, Pant dreams, and part reality, I lie in a stnange world apart— A mystical, romantic world. The wind rushes, and hushes,: and whines, In variable, whimsical mood; The leaves of th' hedge whisper soft audi Iqw; . ~- ■■• • : -..-.- ' The willow trees creek and sigh, "Around me shadow'd phantoms, Unreal creatures of the night, Hover in elusive phantasy. The river bar moans and groans, And it seems strange voices' speak— Weird voices from the Spirit ..Land. 'Tis a, tale-'of woe they tell ;■■■•"' A. tale of dread disaster long ago, When, in a leaping, swishing sea, Two youthful mariners bold Wero launched into eternity— •' Their forms seen on e'arth no more. Moan on, thou haunted bar, ,'■■■. And spread the news afar. The moonbeams- creep and steal, Peep fearfully thro' the curtains And the window rust. ajar, And the news they bring to me Is oif mermaids in the sea '•' Beyond the rolling barElf s of wondrous :; beauty. ■ Performing a strange, ministry To victims of the sea. ' In elfish conclave they surround The prone, cold bodies they have- found, Then spirit 'them away To a wondrous glory caveFar from the light of day, 'Mid supernatural gleams— A fairy sep-ulohre. '• Shine on, O moorj.! moan on, 0 bar! And csrtpy the news afar. —Walter Scott. Opotiki, New Zealand.