Stanzas.

Observer, Volume X, Issue 623, 6 December 1890, Page 9

Stanzas.

My noble brother, long ago, I thumped you, wheu enraged, you know, But would not do the like again, <~!ould we go back from being men ; For beating you, I struck my heart And till I die shall feel the smart. An elder-stump stood where we played At ringtaw, in the pleasant shade, Alongside grannie's dairy wall. Which both so readily recal : Tom, when my soul broods o'er that stump, Remorse deals me a jolly thump ! Those days are gone, each playmate, too, All, all is changed, save love for you ; Months younger, you were sager much, Than I, too sensitive to touch ; And, latterly, I've come to know What I to your example owe. At Ashby-de-la-Zouch you lead A life most practical, indeed ; In Auck'and my prismatic mind Splits light-rays up till too refined ; Kesulfc : My faculties recoil, And fading rainbows mock my toil. Still, I'm alive, whilst you are well ; How long we'll breathe I cannot tell ; But this I'm sure of, noble you Will boldly dare and brightly do ; Right independent, on you'll plough, Whilst I, alas, stand wond'ring how ! The gift of insight, Carlyle-like, How did you get it, lucky tyke ? — For tyke you are, since Yorkshire blood Your heart propels at ev'ry thud : — v No more ado ; the truth will out, Dame Nature brought the thing about. But waiving mere chop-logio, Tom, Wish me good hap, there's a bon-lwmme ! And may the wise, benignant pow'rs Bestrew your path with fragrant flowers, And grant a sunset gold and rose, Whenas your peaceful life must close ! — Lanz Fkvvsteis. Auckland, Nov. 1, 1890.

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