THE DYING YEAR.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume 1, Issue 26, 20 December 1849, Page 4

THE DYING YEAR.

"I am the son of old father Time, and the last of a numerous progeny. Thus the old year began his complaint. He then called for his account-book, and turned over the pages with a sorrowful eye. Me has kept, it appears, an accurate account of the moments, minutes, hours, anil months which he has issued, and subjoined memorandums of the uses to which tney have been applied. Upon turning to a certain page in his accounts, the old man was much affected, and the tears streamed down his furrowed cheeks as he examined it. This was the register of lha fifty-two Sundays ho had issued ; and which of all the wealth he had disposed of, has been, it appears, the most scandalously wasted. "It is," said he, " very likely that, at least after my decease, many may reflect upon themselves for their misconduct towards me. To such I would leave it as my dying injuncti«n, not to waste time in unavailing regret ; all their wishes an'J repentance will not recall me to life. 1 would rather earnestly recommend to ihoir regard my youthful successor, whose appearance is shortly expected. " I cannot hope to survive long enough to introduce him, but I would fnin hope tliat he will meet with a favourable reception, and that in addition to the flattering honours which greeted my birth, more diligent exertion and more persevering efforts may be expected. Let it be remembered that one honest endeavour is worth ten fair promises."—Jane Taylor.

Giants. A Spanish giant, Senor Joaquin Elezequi, 23 years of ago, 7ft. 10 inclics liigli, anil 450 lbs. weight Spanish., lias been exhibited at Cheltenham. It is only by actual inspection that the mind can fully realize the height of of the extraordinary men which at various times nature produces. We have authentic evidence in modern history of the existence of several men upwards of seven feet in height. Walter Parsons, porter to King James F., was 7ft., 4in. high' It is related of this person that lie was at first apprenticed to a smith, but he grew so tall tftat a hole was made for him in the ground, so as to reduce him to a level with li's fallow-workmen. A Dutch giant, 7ft. 7 inches high, was exhibited in London in 1581. This Spanish giant surpasses him in height by three inches.

Permanent rest is not to be expected on the road, but at the end of the journey. j When covcteousness once gets possession of the heart, it will let no good principle flourish near it. They that soar too high often fall hard, which makes a low and level dwelling preferable. Charity.—Happy is the man who has sown in hisbreasi tlieseedsof love ! From the fountain of liis heart rise rivers of goodness : and the streams overflow for the benefit of mankind. 1 If a spider breaks his web ton times lie will mend it. Make up your mind to do anything and you will do it. Fear not if trouble come upon you. Keep up your spirits though the day be a dark one. Never be cast down by trifles. What is great is not always good, but what a good is always great.