ORIGINAL POETRY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 199, 14 June 1878, Page 3

ORIGINAL POETRY.

A TALE OF A PHEASANT.

(A long way) after Cowper. One day when out in quest of game, I thought it would be fun, To shew the Akaroa folk How old John could be done. It is well known John likes a treat Of anything that's rare, So I resolved to send to him Of pheasants sham a pair. Accordingly a lovely brace Of birds were sent by Wright, Projecting from the bag were seen Their feathers gay and bright. Arriving at that hostelry, So famed in of yore, Wright found John there, as was his wont, A standing at hie door. •Quoth he, "Good day, where from, my friend ?" "From Hayloft's," George replied, And I have brought for you a treat That's not to be denied. And then he handed unto John The parcel trim and rare, Which he received with glad surprise, And at friend Wright did stare. " Come in, old man," to George he said, •" And join me in a 'nip,'" " Thank you, don't mind if I do," said he, " After my foggy trip." Sp John he called his factotum, And thus to him did say— ■" Take these unto the housekeeper, And unpack without ctelay." Then from the kitchen did arise A laugh both shrill and bold, To which John rushed, to find that he Had been complete!y sold. Instead of, as he thought to see Of pheasants plump, a brace, The ghost of one, in the shape of a tail, Was all that met his gaze. John tells this narative with disgust, And allows he was rather crab'd, But he merrily joined the crowd at the bar, And for " nips " they "Yankee grabbed.': BUSHMAN.