She was Like the Queen

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 60, 8 September 1897, Page 2

She was Like the Queen

(By Wandereb.) " All is vanity and rexation of spirit," sayetb the preacher. Now, however right that preacher may have been about vanity, he was certainly " off " in regard to " vexation of spirit " in the following instance; bat possibly the aphorism does not extend to Maoris ; It was a Maori woman who was prepar* ing to take up her bed and walk ; that is, she was about removing from one to another of her country seats. Standing outside her whare and holding a horse by a slender cord, she was making the adjacent bush reverberate with her calls in response to which there came from forest and glade runoing towards ber from all directions all the betero* geneous animals which make up tbe principal possessions of ;» well to do native, the animals showing their attachment to her by tbeir docility and fearlessness. In a short aha bad them all gathered around her, and I thought what a powerful ruler kindness was as I saw this woman by its aid accomplish a feat which would* have taken half a dozeD men with whips and dogs twice the time to have performed. Noticing tbe interest with which I wts observing her, she asked " Yon know me ?" On my replying in the negative, she again asked: "Who you think I am?" This question was a poser, but, determining to tread on sale ground, t replied " Yon aren't Alexaader Selkirk, for ho was ' monarch of all be surveyed,' though yon come very near him ; and you are'nt Robinson Crusoo for be kept goats, and I don't see that you have any amongst your family, bnt doubtless you are Home notable." She replied "I, Victoria !" With an air of pleasant surprise I said " Yon don't mean it ; not Miss Gnelph that was, surely ?" Then without a blush upon ber mahogany complexion at tbe bare faced nntrntb, she gave an ejaculatory " 1 ah!" Upon which I congratulated her. She then asked me if I knew the Queen. I replied " Certainly ; have bar likeness in my pocket." And I ostentatiously displayed a half crown and pointed to tbe impression of the bead npon it, bnt sbe took tbe conceit ont of me whan she pnlled out a number of sovereigns, and, pointing to them, remarked : " I got 'em better than you," continuing, "Me all tbe same Queen Wictoria." At the same time sbe made a majestic wave of the band, embracing space, and said "Queen Wictoria make a call ; all her people come. Me make a call, fetch all my things ronnd." With thin she vaulted on to ber horse and, barebacked, rode away, followed by all her family. As I saw that procession file off .[commented : " You are not so far wrong in comparing yourself to Her Majesty my burnt beauty, as one at first sight would ima» gine. For tbe same talisman which not long sine* made tbe whole world move at our Sovereign'; voice and enabled ber without the faintest breath of command to gather from tbe remotest corners of tbe earth people of every colour, creed, and clime, drawn to her by loyalty und affection to participate in the rejoicings at ber long reign until sbe now stands tbe migbtyest being upon eirtb, is the charm that has enabled you unaided to gather around you yonr humble subjects and tanght them to follow yon wheresoever yon list. Truely the rule of love is far more absolute than that of terror. You certainly have all the vanity, the preacher spoke about, tut not the vexation of spirit, nor will your most insubordinate subjects caise you any while yeu have a cob of corn or a potato in that kit you carry.