DEAL GENTLY WITH MOTHER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue IX, 3 March 1894, Page 212

DEAL GENTLY WITH MOTHER.

Deal gently with mother, 0 Time ! as you pass With your scythe so remorseless and fast changing glass ; Smooth softly the. hair that was raven in hue, For the white threads therein were all pencilled by you. Deal gently with her, since, in earnest or play, You’ve stolen the years of her youtbbood away ; May her days be serene as a sweet summer eve, And nothing be piesent to vex or to grieve. You’ve chiselled deep lines on that motherly face ; From that step so elastic you’ve taken the grace ; Her form you have broken with labour and years. And bathed very often her eyelids with tears. Deal gently with mother, O Time ! while you may, And take her not soon from our circle away ; Break not this strong link in our family chain. But may she with us long years yet remain. Crown her brow with sweet peace as you’ve wreathed it with years ; Fill the eyelids with joy you have moistened with tears ; Lift the burdens of care that have weighed down her breast, And give to her henceforth a Sabbath of rest.