OVER THE HILL.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 76, 11 December 1862, Page 5 (Supplement)

OVER THE HILL.

[The followin'; effusion is from the pen of Mr. Thatcher ana describes a journey over the hill between Lyttelton and Christchurch] : breath is short; I feel weak, and I’m blowing, Like a huge grampus. X must toil until I reacli the top -. how slowly I am going Over the hill. My strength is drawn on by my resolution, But strength’s unable to accept the bill. I climb no faster than a Lilliputian Over the hill. This toiling to condition might restore me, XVere I a man in training for a mill; But I’ve no pugilistic work Before mo Over the hill. I dare not ride,- it is such freezing weather; Equestrian exorcise would cause a spill. My horse and I might tumble down together Over the hill. 1 grasp the rugged rocks now with my flippers; To climb the frozen ground requires some skill. My boots are for the nonce transformed to slippers Over the lull. Unto myself I frequently now wonder If this can bo the snot whore Jack and Jill, When retelling water made that fatal blunder Over the hill. TV hat early riser, who, his hod forsaking, AVouid choose this walk for his pedestrian skill f An early rise out of him 'twould lie taking Over the hill. The ascent called “ Difficulty,” Banyan tells us, Was overcome by Christian's earnest will. In climbing we must own that lie excels us Over the hill. O! would that I could mount as fast as he did • I lack the strength, although I have the will. Jl.v progress by my bunion is impeded Over the bill. 0 for some cognac, to assist my tussles; ’Twould warm the cockles of my heart; but still, AVouid it afford assistance to my muscles, Over the hill ? Napoleon and his staff seem to upbraid me, Even the Alps were cross’d bv his stern will; But, just remember, I’ve no staff to aid me Over the hill. With perspiration now my brow is wotted : Napoleon's mettle was first-rate, but still That sovereign, it strikes me, was nicely sweated Over the hill. The slippery patli my onward course doth hinder. Bciore 1 reach the lop the toil must kill; ‘ 1 ve lots ol pains, ITL bo a broken winder Over the hill, Sure, "Fneilis descensus est Arerni I’ve gained the top. and feci a pleasant thrill: But going down’s the worst part of the journey Over the hill' Before mo. on the plain, the river’s flowing; Bur, though descending, my nerves tremble still. I find mg hams too are nut cured by going Over the hill. The cart is starting soon, and I must hasten, I take a nice draught of the tricking rill, Flowing into kind Charlotte Gortley’s basin Over the hill. I'm down at last; I own it’s been a corker, To go hack now would be a bitter pill: Tire pleasure of that two miles’ walk’s all ” Walker" Over the hill.