Original Poetry.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2687, 27 September 1871, Page 3

Original Poetry.

THE GIN FIEND. Blythe was her youthful heart, Bright was the day When he who won her hand Led her away; Toil seemed not wearisome, Waiting for him to come, Bringing a blessing home, Kind words to say. Sweetly the years passed by ; Great was her joy When on his father’s knee Sat her bright boy ; Sister beside him stood, Cried that “ Papa was good, Brought what be said he would”— Some childish toy ! Sad sinking heart, Dark was the day, When he who Avon her love First stayed aAvay. Then, Avhen she ran to greet, How his unsteady feet Bade her in haste retreat, Filled with dismay ! Kindly a friend stepped in, Got him to bed ; “ T’was but an accident, ” Kindly lie said ; “ Some friend enticed him in,— “ ’Twould not occur again,— ** Sorry to see her pain,— No cause for dread l” * Ah, but the spell was broke ! Sin led to sin ; Noav the fierce fiend awoke Work to begin ! Work of destruction too, All peace and lo\ T e undo — Hide the appalling view— Gaze not within ! There, by the hearth she sits, Sad and alone; Patching her children’s clothes, — Heeds not her own. He, once her heart's delight, Hears she his step at night ? ’ Tis but to start Avith fright. Shudder and groan! Licensing justices Seal fast each ear. Lest her heart-broken sighs Faintly you hear ! Close each eye carefully. Lest her deep misery Scare your placidity, Waken your fear ! Dealers in spirit casks Let your bright gold Canker and burn your flesh, Fast while you hold ! Think hoAV, on that great day, Conscience in stern array DoAvn at your door shall lay Sorrows untold! Kescue, 0 God of miebt! Stretch out thy hand ! Put the fierce fiend to flight. At thy command! Rescue the low and lost — Save to the uttermost! 0 bring the tempest-tossed Safe to land! X. Dunedin, 29th August, 1871.