" Unknown."

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume III, 1 October 1900, Page 71

" Unknown."

How many pass along the road of life When, from their heart, sustaining hope has flown ! How many yearn to find the restful end, How many spurned by kin and friend, Are by them as — unknown. Unknown ! to him the world is cold, No charm of home ; no sympathy or love ; No children's talk to soothe his parting days ; No cheerful hearth to meet his forlorn gaze ; No hope but of above.

Unknown ! The word brings sorrow to tho heart. I watched him daily pass the door ; Alone, unnoticed by the callous throng. With furrowed brow he passed along, And then he — passed no more. Unknown ! No gaudy mocking train Bears him along and carries him to rest ; No mourners follow with a show of tears ; No epitaph upon a stone appears ; His coffin by no mourning wreath is drest.

Unknown ! Shall e'er it be our fate To pass through life alone, We'll trust that in the world above, Where all is mercy, all is love, We'll find that we are — known. Cbas. A. Bruford.