A SUDDEN CALL.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 230, 6 December 1878, Page 6

A SUDDEN CALL.

'Twas on a lovely autumn day The " Princess Alice " steered her way Along the good, old ;riyerThainea,. Where gracefully her path, she frames. Her decks were all alive arid gay With those on pleasure -found that, day, For those who London's air inhale Full well enjoy a pleasant sail. Andmany a merry jest and sorig ! Was heard among that happy throng, ' For youths and maidens brave and fair ' And dhildren bright and gay were there.- . The charming scenes, the balmy air^ ' From old &ncl young did -banish care ; Arrived at:'th"eir destined port, ' They land and have, some fun and sport. „ Then, as the " Princess'": whistle blows, They all rush back, and off she. goes'-;" ; • Now, as their homeward cOurse.they steeiy • J ■The band strikes up. in notes so^clear.. ■'. While;round the merry dancers go', ' And mirth. and fun increasing flow ;• "-" No thought of danger came, to mind, 'For all to aiight but -joy seemed blind. When, sudden as 'aligMflingfiasb!, A steamer comes with'f eurf ul'crash, -- ■ And like a thunderbolt. from heaven „.:'.?. The c f- PrinGess Alice" sides "are riv -en. ■ ,-'' "Reverse her engines !" ( is the call ' '■'. Which brings sure iinstant. death, to all;- ■■''■■ For in that, whirling, surging wave The "Princess" sinks. No power can save, AndaU that meriy^; joyous throng) ' ■' • _ So^lately full of life and -song, ;i vo ;t ? : ;, ' . < With, scarcely . ; time r to, breathe a prayer f* ; ; Have.gone dc%*ii *yfi&x ine^'^ncess" fair. ~ } And oh \ whatbitter grief d6th;wait^f? J :T " The' friends ofrthos^whosfe mournfidiifate^ " brings Bympath^^mi.ev^r^heartf; "H: "^ -t v H6wf^ise;%e ;Holy.: counsel given, '£?rIX- «-^