SACRIFICE

New Zealand Tablet, 23 September 1915, Page 19

SACRIFICE

(For the N.Z. Table/.) My son ! My sou ! Just God hath called thee from the field of strife, Hath called thee home; and thy young martyred life Upon the soil of sacrifice is shed. Alas ! that I should mourn thee, know thee dead. But duty called thee and I bade thee go, A mother’s pride is mingled with my woe, Beloved one, For thou hast fallen in the foremost line As heroes die— though grief and loss be mine, I would not have thee bear the craven’s name, Nor stain thy manhood with ignoble shame. Thank God thy heart was true, thy spirit brave, Ah ! steadfast thou hast proven to the grave, Thy task is done.

Just was thy cause—-and thou hast given all That right may conquer and injustice fall; Dearly I loved thee through the short glad years, Watched o’er and cherished thee through joys and tears,

God keep thee now I pray, my noble boy, And rest thy soul in realms of peace and joy, Thy goal is won.

Dunedin. -— Harold Gallagher.