MEMORIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2955, 2 November 1910, Page 71

MEMORIES.

Aye, let ma toast each old-time friend— The boya I fought with long ago— Though mem'riea may my heart-strings rend, The wine will set my cheeks aglow, And fancy wake the sleeping thrills .1 felt in manhood's, early, prime— The loya I bear my native hills Is with me in a foreign clime. Though, grief and care my joys devour, And shadows may my smiles o'eroast, IWith old-time friends I'll pass an hour In memory, tho' it be my last. There may be sorrows deep and strong, At other times to call up tears, They canrot blur this festive song— I'll live a while in lormer years. Then here's "the men of my own land," The lightsome, brawny, brave, and tall— As boys, we sought the woodlands grand To imitate the cuckoo's call. King out again that mercy laugh That woke the echoes long ago. While I the magio ruby quaff I iosl my heart the younger grow. And blushing cheeks and downcast eyes, Now fill my soul with rapture—bliss— Again, before my fancy, rise The mountain maids I loved to kiss. Then let mo toast them, one arid all— Althorgh this hour should bs my last, Beforo death s curtaina grimly fall I'd drink those mem'ries of the past. —Shambooc.