Original Poetry.

Evening Star, Issue 3808, 8 May 1875, Page 2

Original Poetry.

THE OPPOSITE SEAT.

I tried to look prim whilst the parson was preaching, And you were pretending to be so demure ; I knew you were deaf to the truths he was teaching, And I was quite blind to the Gospel, I’m sure. I brought neither chapter nor verse from the meeting, Although I told ma ’twas a beautiful treat’; I know I’m a sinner, for heav’n I was cheating, My soul was engaged on the opposite|Beat.

I scarcely can see either pulpit or altar, I can’t read my Bible, my eyes are so dim : And really whenever J take uo my psalter, ■ Instead of a psalm X look out for a him. Our minister’s lessons are pure and aesthetic, At least so I’m told.! Oh, this horrid deceit, I wish I could ’scape from that current magnetic That carries my thoughts to the opposite seat.

When people around us are wrapt in devotion, I strive to be pious and serious too ; And, raising my feelings with holy emotion, I try to forget such a fellow as you. But when I look up I destroy the illusion. For you raise your head and our wicked eyes meet, And then I am covere I with shame and confusion— The tempter’s enthroned on the opposite . seat.

I m eager to work out my spirit’s salvation, But really each Sabbath I have not a chanceOh you are the cause ef this vile desecration, * For sin and iniquity.dwell in your glance. I often endeavor to think upon Zion Where angels, the pr »phets, and patriarchs greet lu vain for I know that poor me you’ve your eye on, Oh why do you sit on the opposite seat ?

You know very well that your conduct is stupid, Whatever may happen, ’tis you that’s to blame, You re turning the church to a temple of Cupid. I’m sure you will drive me to alter my name. Jrray do not persist in this base persecution, Our souls must be saved, and Old Time Is so fleet, convinced that—oh rash resolution, ibere s room for us both pu thp opposite seat. Thomas Bbackjsk.