CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5699, 19 October 1896, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

• Dedicated to the "Early Eisebs." If thou wouldst view fair Christchurcb. aright, Come visit it by the morning light, ■ By slanting rays of the eastern Sun ; Who Day, his bride, from dark night hath won. ■ Come ! see the hills, through their silvery veil, Hiding, for joy, from the sun'a " All Hail ! " Never, again, look the heights so gay, For bridal splendours must fade away. Com° ! see the rivor that glides beneath Trees, that its beauty enhance and sheath ; Give shadow depth to the shallow stream, As life is deepened for those who dream. Come I see this river, unruffled, yet dark ; On its bright bosom float s many a barque, Of delicate golden leaves ; this fleet Untimely fallen, their kindred greet. Come ! see the trees ! -walk this avenue ajsle, In its light-dappled gloom, walk reverent awhile, And lower your voices as those who pray, Or raise them in song to the spirit of day. Come! see the linked branches their fingers entwine ; Thus clasping, they make us a beautiful shrine ; We give them our thanks who planted the trees, And waft our glad words on the sweet moraine breeze. Come! see the bold mountains, how they have caught Pirst reys of the sun— 'twas the glory they sought ; They, silent, have heard his great silent tread; 'Their pale faces flush to the rose-tint of red. Come ! even stone buildings have beauty nt morn, And these English ivy with tracings adorn ; Each leaf has beeu washed in pure dew Of the night, And now gravely reflects a hue welcome to light. Come ! see reared on high the cross on the spire, Tho sun has cnhaloed with circle of fire ; Over land, over sea, shines the gleam of its gold, Reminding all men of tne " Story of Old." If thou would'sfc view fair Christchurch aright, Coino visit it by the morning light ; By slanting rays of the eastern Sun, Who Day, Ids bride, from dark night hath won. Christchurch. LOUISA ULAKK.