Select Poetry.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 477, 22 February 1881, Page 2

Select Poetry.

ECHOES.

Under the whisp'ring elms, the leaves Made mann ring music as they fell; * The sun shone on the slanting eaves ; Afar was heard the village bell. The sleepy flowers closed their eyes, And, nodding, bowed each fragrant head? IJJLjJ The tender evening breeze stole by lB^?~~^ The peaceful dwelling of the dead. And like the echo of its kiss Came whisp'ring, whisp'ring past mine ear The echo of the voice I miss, The absent voice my heart holds dear. " Hast thou forgot," it murmured sweet— " Hast thou forgot the dear dead days, Those cruel days that were so fleet, \ When first we loved through blame or praiso ? , " How has it sped thee since thou went To test, through absence, blame, and grief, Whether thou wouldst thy choice repent— >~ Thy heart withdraw its fond belief ? "I wait thine answer, maiden mine— Thy freedom back again, or nay ? Out of the gloom my heart seeks thine ; I wait thine answer—maiden, say 1" " 0 love," I cry, " where'er thou be, Have I not said in days of old, I,love my love as be loves mo ? (inij'.e tf'tJi if i-'wh n ion* i;rov;scold I"