"IF MY LIFE HAS BEEN A FAILURE."

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LX, Issue 9346, 17 April 1909, Page 2

"IF MY LIFE HAS BEEN A FAILURE."

if my life has been a failure, If I have not won a name, Nor climbed the ladder leading up To fortune or to fame, If ambition lias not spoil me, Or honour has not led mo, Do you think tho world will censure mo, or blameV If my life has boon a failure, If a bye-path I have ta'eu, It has led to verdant meadows, In v glowing golden plain, Where I've loitered at my leisure, Finding peace and iimliug pleasure, 'Twill surely bo acknowledged, "Mine tho gain"": . If my life has boon a failure, I still have tins to say : I'vo avoided all the climbing Up the rough aud rugged way. Oh ! tho idle hours I'vo squandered. While my lingering footsteps wandered 'Mill tho wild flowers by the river all tho day. If my lifo hits boon a failure, Lv other ways I've won— I have dreamed beside the river, In tho glowing noon-day sun, And those dreams were worth the d roaming. Those fancies that cume gleaming, And through my hraiu came streaming one by ono. If my life has been a failure. At least 1 do not IVet, if I've earned no golden guerdon The perfume's clinging yet To the roses I have gathered. And the fancies I have fathered With the crystal dew of memory are wet. If my life Ikis been a failure— And I will not say 'tis not, I have plucked at least one blossom, One prize at least I've got— A loving mate to share with me A life of peace, from discord free, And ho 1 am contented with my Jot. —J. S., Mastertou.