THE ANNIVERSARY OF BURNS.

Evening Star, Issue 3891, 13 August 1875, Page 3

THE ANNIVERSARY OF BURNS.

To the Editor. Sir, —The following verses are given, impromptu, by an influence professing to be the Spirit of the immortal Bard of Scotland. ■ hatever may be thought of their reputed origin, there can be l.ttle doubt as to their real worth. In joint ot pathos and general oetic excellence they are certainly not surpassed by anything Burns ever wrote, and I thing they ought to be sung at the next anniversary of the bard. —I am, &c M Sandy. Dunedin, August 13. Ye ken I’m what the world ca’s dead— My flesh the worms has served to feed, A n’ fertilised fu’ rnony a weed

An’ blossom bonnie ; Yet still a cantio dfo I lead As glad ns ony. Here, in the native land o’ spirit, Whaur folks their true deserts inherit, An’ find the bliss a id peace they merit — iN ae m air nor less; My soul has love and work to cheer it Wi’ haj)piues:i. Altho* some preachers fain do tell I’m roastin’ in tint horrid hell, They ding in folks’ Jugs like a bell, But diuna believe it; I found the hnme I made mysel’ And aft can leave it. Ay, aften frae my hame up higher, I watch the clue's that strike the lyre, And for the bays o’ fame aspire On round : •>’ sang— Their minds wi ncble thoughts t’inspire, An’ sleep alang. The upright, honest-hearted man, Who strives to do the best lie can, Need never fear the Church’s ban Or hell’s damnation; For God will need uae “special plan” For his salvation. The One who knows our deepest needs Recks little how man counts his beads ; For riglitcou sn-'sa is not in creeds Or solemn faces, But rather lies in kindly deids An’ Christian graces. Then never fear ! wi’ purpose leal, A head toithiok, a heart to feel; For human woe and human weal Nac preac-hir’ loon Your sacred liiri bright e’er can steal To Heaven abouu. Tak’ tent o’ truth, .and heed this well— I'he man who si os makes his ain hell. There’s uae w.urr devil than hunse!’; But God is strongest; An’ when pom- human hearts rebel, He hands out hmgest. Wi’ loving kindno s will He wait Till a’ the piudends o’ fate Return unto their Fair estate An’ blessings rnony; Nor will He shut the garden gate O’ Heaven oa ony.