DIRGE FOR A SOLDIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 47, 14 March 1890, Page 13

DIRGE FOR A SOLDIER.

[In Memory of General Philip Keabney.] Close his eyes ; his work is done I What to him is friend or foeman, Rise of moon or set of sun, Hand of man, or kiss of woman ? Lay him low, lay him low, la the clover or the snow ? What cares he ? he cannot know : Lay him low ! As man may, he fought his fight. Proved his truth by his endeavour ; Let him sleep in solemn night, Sleep, forever and forever . Lay him low, lay him low, In the clover or the snow 1 What cares he 7 he cannot know : Lay him low I Fold him in bis country's stars, 801 l the drum and fire the volley ! What to him ar<» all oar wars, What but death, bemocking folly ? Lay him low, lay him low, In the clover or the snow I What cares he ? he cannot know : Lay him low ! Leave him to God's watching eye, Trust him to the hand that made him. Mortal love weeps idly by : God alone has power to aid him. Lay him low, lay him low, In the clover or the snow ! What cares he ? he cannot know : Lay him low ! Geoboe H. Bokbb.

Three publishers are bidding for the privilege of bringing out LeCaron's reminiscences. The book of the spy and informer is nearly completed and will be a sensational work.

Col. John Atkinson, of Detroit, who recently visited Ireland, says : " Michael Davitt is one of the most beloved of the Irish leaders. I heard a story which will illustrate the way in which his countrymen regard him. He was passing from one of the Isles of Arran upon a very stormy day in an open boat. He watched the man at the helm, who continued smoking when every one else, including Mr. Davitt, had begun to be very fearf a\ of ever making the land. The man at the helm, evidently reading his thought, said : ' Mr. Davitt, there is no sea around Ireland that would drown you.' "

Here is an extract from a l«tter, written by Lord Grey to the Princess Lieven in 1831, which is really so eminently applicable to the present period that I (Truth) commend it to the careful attention of Lord Salisbury, Mr. Balfonr, and other more exalted votaries of despotism :— " As to the Duke's opinion as to what is passing, it is that of a man who does not understand the chaiacter of the times, and who thinks that public opinion may be subdued by power. If this attempt is made, and a violent struggle takes place in consequence of it, I will not answer for the consequences ; but if the Reform is carried satisfactorily, I will answer for the peace of the ountry, and not only for its peace, but for its power and prosperity."