NATIVE LAND.
It chanced to me upon a time to sail Across the Southern ocean, to and fro ;. And landing at far isles, by stream and vale Of sensuous blessing did we ofttirces go. And months of dreamy joys, like joys in sleep, Or like a clear, calm stream o'er mossy stone-, Unnoted passed our hearts with, voiceless sweep, And left us yearning still for lands unknown. And when we found one, for 'iis soon to find In thousand-isled Cathay another isle, Far ono short noon its pleasures filled the mind, And then again we yearned and ceased to smile. And so it was from isle to isle we passed, Like wanton bees or boys-on flowers or lips j And when that all was tasted, then at last We longed for draughts instead of sips. I learned from this there is no Southern laud Can fill with love the hearts of Noithern men. Sick minds need change ; but when in health they stami 'Neath foreign skies, their love flies home again. And so with me it was 1 the yearning turned From laden airs of cinnamon away, And stretched far westward, while the full heart burned. With love for Ireland, looking on Cathay ! My own dear love r all dearer for thy grief 1 My land that hath no peev in all the sea For verdure, vale or river, flowers or leaf — If first to no man else, thouVt first to me. New love may come with duties; bub the first Is deepest yet —the mother's breath and smiles. Like that dear face and breast, where I was nursed Is my poor land —the Niobe of Isles. — • The Independent.' (American Paper.)
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 32, 6 December 1873, Page 10
Word Count
281NATIVE LAND. New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 32, 6 December 1873, Page 10
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