THE SILENT CLASS.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 554, 10 August 1889, Page 14

THE SILENT CLASS.

Come, all-.ye pallet men, attend; A woeful tale is mine, alas ! Related to me by a friend Who joined the Auckland Silent Class. His was a sad and fearful fate, In icy atmosphere to choke, ' Till with the dead oppressive weight • His paper burst, his pencil broke. The gas shone brightly in the room— . The model graced the sitter's chair ; But over all a sombre gloom, A sober stillness, hovered there, • No conversation's cheery sound Awoke that solemn silence dread, As each one with an air profound The paper's fold before him spread ; » No passing just, with pleasant tone, Gave e'er one sound of speaking life ; The busy pencil's scratch alone Announced the keen artistic strife. The first short spell wore well away ; Still mute the solemn conclave sate ; Grim silence held a monarch's sway, For no one smiled and no one spake. The time of interval drew near, As ticking watches did attest ; Time travels on with swift career, There came the interval of rest ; But still they scorned a friend to seek, Although from place to place they walk, And sternly each forbore to speak, As grimly round the room they stalked. Again they donned Seclusion's, cloak ; The model took his former place ; With anxious eye and careful stroke They strove his lineaments to trace. What varied meed repaid their care ! For though with some the form grew plain, A weirdly wonderful affair With others must repay the strain. But surely Time will never wait For artists more than common men, And with his never flagging gait He touched upon the hour of ten ; Then did this sad and soundless band Both paper and portfolio close ; Like natives from a tongueless land 4 The students' evening class arose. No master's cheerful voice is heard Proclaim their mighty efforts o'er ; And off without a parting word They wandered through the sacred door ; Then take their lone and cheerless flight, As cold as marble men from Eome, Away neath Luna's placid light, ach one strode silently for home. Although there may be some respect In all the coldness here displayed, I think it shows much more neglect Of self-improvement's mutual aid. —Firm.