IN THE END OF THE CENTURY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue XVII, 27 October 1894, Page 401

IN THE END OF THE CENTURY.

I belong to the end of the century ; T am glad as I can be That the century’* far beginning Is ’way, ’way back of me. I can row a boat. I can drive a steed, And saddle and ride him too. And there’s nothing my brother can do, at n< ed. That his sister cannot do. I plav lawn-tennis ; I’ve tried baseball ; I climb es swift as a squirrel ; Pick mvself up if I have a fall. And laugh, though I’m only a girl. Plucky and merry and ever so strong, I hie where the great waves brim, And the surf rolls in with its thunder song— For of course I have learned to swim. Mv great-grandmother was just my age When the century was new ; She had to sit for hours each day Pulling her needle through Tiny holes in a bit of card. Or sewing a long dull seam, And one must confess that her fate was hard — The poor little ghost of a dream. They would never allow her to jump and run ; She must never look flushed and warm ; A dozen things that I may do. Were then not thought ‘ good form ’ I’m glad I'm an end-of-the century girl, Healthy and happy and gay. As free as a boy to study Greek, And as free as a boy to play. M.E.S.