“OFT IN THE STILLY NIGHT.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 902, 8 October 1910, Page 2

“OFT IN THE STILLY NIGHT.”

(To the Editor.)

Silt. —Once I attended a certain church when the pastor of the flock very impressively preached a most eloquent sermon from Numbers, 22nd chapter, commencing at the 29th verse. The eloquence on that occasion cannot compare with the language preached from the same passage by ray peaceful neighbours beginning at the same verse. “And Balaam said unto the ass: ‘Because thou hast mocked me I would there was a sword in mine hand, for now I would kill thee.” The aforesaid eloquence has moved me to verse:—

I’ve packed up my port-sammy— I’m sailing far awav — I like the Foxton people But—l cannot stand that bray! The Town Clerk’s cat is on the roof-top, The ganger’s parrot is at war, The parson’s rooster flew to Shannon Because they heard that dread hee-haw. The engine-driver cannot stand it, The stationmaster’s put to flight, The porter says he now is sleepless Just through that awful noise at night.

Old Martin calls the ass a “ beauty,” Hears it bray where’er he goes, It keeps him right up to his duty And prevents a tempting dose. The postmaster swears he always hears it—- “ Brassie ” hears it every day— The editor thought his cow was dying Or Billy Collins having a “ say.” The one excuse for all thisdoggrel— The reason that I write — Is to stop a donkey braying In the middle of the night. I am, etc,, Peruvian, Our P.D. appends the following : We thank you for yourdoggrel— And it may seem bloomin’ rot— Yet the nuisance you complain of Is a nuisance—is it not ? All the fibre carters curse it When its tail begins to soar, And their horses play the devil When the brute begins to roar. The ancient worshippers of Baalam Couldn’t stand its tuneful lay, So they shipped this equine genus On to Foxton—with its bray. What great sin have we committed?— We’re reminded by its laugh— We are not all money grubbers Bending to the gilded calf.