POETRY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 168, 19 December 1874, Page 3

POETRY.

AN EMPTY BARREL WILL KILL NO BIRDS. You are “ going for good !” I hear you say, “ Over the seas, and far away”— To better your lot, if chance you can, And grow to a great, and a thrifty man. Your ambition is well, and none may complain That such an idea has entered your brain ; But, Charlie ! remember my parting words— That an empty barrel will kill no birds ! “Going for good!” Well! good may it

be Wherever you travel over the sea! But don’t run away with the notion, lad, That wealth for the seeking alone’s to be

had. Don’t picture a land, be it new, be it old, Where the highways are paven with nuggets of gold. No, Charlie ! remember my parting words— That an empty barrel will kill no birds ! “ Going for good !” Joy, Charlie, joy ! Still I mind you were ever a curious boy, At home, and at school, both a regular Turk, More intent upon play a good deal than on work, And I’ve heard you protest that a life of all ease Must be sweet, though it brought one but plain bread and cheese ; So, prithee ! remember my parting words— That an empty barrel will kill no birds ! “ Going for good !” It is easily said, But speeches, my boy will butter no bread ; You’ll have to plod, and you’ll have to toil, To reap rich crops from a barren soil. Nay more ! bear the burden of many a check Which the heart of the strongest man might wreck So, Charlie ! remember my parting words— That an empty barrel will kill no birds ! “Going for good !” andfor all you know “ Winds of ill luck,” as you call them, may

blow ; Sickness may shatter your health, and your

frame, And false friends frustrate your noblest

aim, Everything waits to be lost or won, Nothing is certain under the sun; But always remember my parting words— That an empty barrel will kill no birds! “Going for good!” Well, Charlie! you’re

young, Your heart is honest, your limbs are strong, And whatever you gain of store or pelf, It is all for yourself, lad! all for yourself. But make up your mind, with a resolute

will, To labour, and strive, to the best of your

skill; . Always keeping in view my parting words— That an empty barrel will kill no birds ! “ Going for good!” and no one can tell If this is, or is not, our last farewell. The thought brings a thrill of pain to my

heart, . And the tears—l can’t help it—will foolishly

But whether or no, you’ve my blessing to-

day— May the good God above be your shield and your stay; And, once 'more ! remember my parting

words — That an empty barrel will kill no birds! G. Linnvkus Banks.