HOW WE LOVE THE LAST SWEET WORDS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VII, Issue 2, 10 January 1891, Page 14

HOW WE LOVE THE LAST SWEET WORDS.

A sick brother sat in his easy chair, A sister bent o’er him smoothing his hair ; His cheek was flushed, his eye was bright, Lit with a calm and heaven-born light. * There, now, you are ready,’ the sister said, ‘ You were later this morning in leaving your bed. Now give me your hand, and lean on your sis.’ He smiled and gave her a loving kiss ; But his efforts to rise, thrice proved in vain ; He bowed his head, murmuring, ‘ Never again.’ ’Twas the midnight hour by the clock on the stair, He was not sleeping, and his lips moved in prayer; He murmuted oft of a Saviour’s love, And then again of a home above. The sister sat by the side of the bed, And listened, weeping with drooping head. ‘ He is weaker,’ she said to herself, with a sigh, * But he cannot, he cannot be going to die.’ * Yon are weary, my sister, just sleep for a while ; I’ll call if I want you,’ he said, with a smile. The morning had dawned, the sun’s rays were shed Over the sick man, across his bed. A call so faint from the brother came, The sister started on hearing her name. ‘ Be glad, my sister, I’m going now,’ And the death-dew stood like beads on his brow. His cold arm round her neck was pressed, Her head lay pillowed near his breast. * Lord, bless my sister with faith and grace, And grant we both may see Thy face.’ The feeble breath just flickered away, And the spirit soared to endless day ; The battle's fought, the victory won, Thy will, not mine, O Lord, be done. The sister cannot close those eyes, Who sees things now beyond the skies ; • She knows not now all that he gains, But this she knows, his blessing remains. Ashburton. Eliza.

Curious Death Notice.—The following is how an English clergyman announces the death ot his wife ‘ On the 17th inst., promoted from the Kindergarten of earth to the High School of Paradise, the sweet soul of Mary Sophia Horsley, wife of the Rev. J. W. Horsley, Holy Trinity, Woolwich.’ The notice appeared in the Church Times ot 23rd inst. Matrimonial agent (in whose office are several candidates of both sexes): ‘ Ladies and gentlemen, it is now five minutes of four o’clock, at which hour the office closes Please engage yourselves at once. Delays are dangerous.’