EXHIBTION PRIZE CANTATA.

Kumara Times, Issue 1110, 21 April 1880, Page 3

EXHIBTION PRIZE CANTATA.

♦ {By Mr .T. W. Meaden.]

Argument. Part I.—The Past.—Victoria, sleeping amidst the primeval solitudes, is aroused by voices which foretell the speedy discovery and settlement of the country, and presently the songs of the mariners are heard as the-y make their way across the, as yet, undiscovered land. Part ll.—The Present. —Victoria discovered engaged in various pursuits—pastoral', agricultural, industrial, &c.— is approached by a company of Nymphs, representing the various nations of the earth. These hail her with acclamation as the "Queen of the South." Victoria responds wilh a .jubilant song of welcome, and, as she leads her guests to the banquet, the people burst forth in a patriotic hymn, with whieh the Cantata concludes. Part I.—The Past. In slumbers deep—where branching ferntrees wave-, ■. And Austral seas the long, low beaches lave, Where, fringed with reeds, the silent, lone lagoon Reflects the starry cross and crescent "moon — With gamed sweetness in her peaceful breast, The fair Victoria lies too long at rest. 0 summer land of silence, . O land of beauty rare, Where solitude lies.brooding , .O'er hills and valleys fair ; Where silent streams are stealing O'er each untrodded plain, And the lonely shores but echo The sigh of the surging main. On thy sweet peace The old world soon will pour An armyj vast and busy, , from its teeming shore ; And to thy pleasant harbours, That now all lonely lie, " As the doves under their windows" Shall the white-wing'd vessels fly. Then, fair South Land, no longer Thy courts shall silent be, The merry voice of laughter Shall echo songs of glee: Then busy, sounds of labour, Shall rise on the summer air. And sweetly chime the Sabbath bell, That calls td the house of prayer.

THE MAMNEES' SONO. Our northern homes we leave behind, To seek some golden strand ; Our sails we trim to catch the wind* And steer for the Southern Land ; O'er glittering seas we gaily glide, Where the sunbeam's dance on the laughing tide-.

"When storms arise their wrath we brave, . Nor fear the lightning's flash, though madd'ning winds around us rave-, And the surging billows dash. O'er unknown seas we fearless sail, Where the storm-fiend rides on the hissing gale-. Part ll.—The Present.

Now, on the grassy plains the browsing flocks.descend, While Ceres' toiling swains her fruitful

reign extend ; Deep in the dang'rous mine the digger seeks his prize, 'Neath Labour's sway benign the fairdoomed cities rise> And all around we see a power subdue the land— A power from God that nerves the toilers willing hand. CHORUS Of' THE NATIONS. From distant shores we come to greet, With loud acclaim our sister sweet, And hail her as with queenly grace Amidst our band she takes her placej " Queen of the Southern Seas." Victoria's song op welcome. <0 golden day of glory ! 0 chrysolite of .. thiie •. Now fly all shadows hoary before a dawn sublime ; Now clad in golden sunlight a bride adom'd I stand, My dowry, England's her banner in my hand. O welcome ! Sisters gracious and friends . from every land ! My heart warms at youi? coming to this bright and sunny strand; ° My banquet hall is furnished, my table richly spread, The grand old flag, with star<gcms dockedj gleams brightly over head. Wave, wave, your silken banners, your silver trumpets blow! Sing, sing, your loud hosannas ! that all the world may know This day is born a Nation, 'neath England's banner free, That, like a constellation, flame's o'er the Southern Sea. HYMN; O thou whose arm hath for our fathers fought, Whose guiding hand their sons hath hither brought, Lead onward till Australia's land shall rise A greater Britain 'neath these Southern skies j With bonteous hand our fields With bless, Increase our flocks, our' homes with peace possess ; Make wise our rulers, and in wisdom's ways Guide thou our feet to Thine eternal praise.