A TENDER HEART.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue II, 11 January 1896, Page 25

A TENDER HEART.

I met an old and withered man, XX’ith beard as white as snow ; Adown his cheeks the tear-drops ran, Feeble his step and slow. So thin his face, so starved his mien, I offered him a crust ; Never such famine had I seen As made his cheeks like dust. •' I beg you eat a bit of this,’ I said in pleading tones. ‘ So small a piece I shall not miss, And you are naught but bones.' ‘ I cannot taste,’ he said, ‘of bread That has been raised with leaven Since they cut off Queen Mary’s head In Fifteen eighty-seven.’ ‘ At least,’ I urged, ‘ an oyster take, ’Twill easily digest ; Of this a frugal meal to make

Surely were for the best.’ 1 To offer oysters is in vain ; I cannot eat them more, Through grief that Citsar should be slain In B.C. Forty-four.’ ' Old man,’ I cried. ‘ at least be moved A cup of tea to taste. Often its virtues have been proved When strength has run to waste.' ‘ No more I comfort take,’ he saith, ' In mild, inspiring tea. Since I was told Elizabeth Died Sixteen hundred three.’ I heaved a sigh, I wiped a tear, I took him by the hand. ‘ You need some wine,’ I urged, in fear That he was quite unmanned. ‘ You do not know, alas !’ moaned he, ‘I cannot taste of wine. For Catherine de’ Medici Died Fifteen eighty-nine.’ Desperate I tried one viand else. ‘There is ice-cream,’ I said ; ‘ It nourishes as well as melts, And cannot harm the dead.’ ‘ I cannot eat.ice-cream,’ he sighed, ‘ For in my throat it sticks Since I have learnt Columbus died In Fifteen hundred six.’ ‘ My heart so tender is,’ he said, ‘ It quivers through and through To should be dead ~Six hbndred thirty-two. .Then Shakespeare died Sixteen sixteen ; < Maecenas Eight B C.; 1 And since these figures I have seen, What’s eating now to me ?’ I left him then and went my wav. Weeping and moaning much, It really did no good to stay. Though he my heart did touch. But as I munch my buttered toast Or eat cold mutton stew, His image haunts me like a ghost Making his sad ado ! Arlo Bates