A WAIF FROM THE SEA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 89, 17 April 1871, Page 2

A WAIF FROM THE SEA.

Sir — A. bottle, containing the following curious manuscript, was picked up at the Port this morning. I can make but little of it, save this, that it must jfaave been written at "Westport, in raiity weather, and under somewhat depressing circumstances. / I am sir, &c, Wit C. H. I would not dwell in this dull land With these dull people, For all the gold beneath its sand Pil'd high as steeple. I would not rust by yon dank woods, For ever dripping, Not though these shops you flll'd with goods, That port with, shipping, And said — •-' Take these, but still remain By lordly Buller, To watch the stream beneath the rain Grow full, and fuller — To gaze for ever on the swine, Around you prowling. To listen to the long-drawn whine 'Of street curs howling. The cursed click of billiard ball To hear for ever, While ceaseth all day long the call For nobblers — never." And shall I stay for gold or gear, Bor'd, mouldy, dripping ? At this price, friend, I find too dear, Gold, shops, and shipping. Farewell sad home of loafer, pub, Pig, politician ! Thee and thy griefs off soon shall rub Sea, ''the Physician, Who yearns to wash thine unclean face, And write the story (In water) of this wretched place ' Of purgatory." Then will he mutter, "warning take, Old Sleepy Hollow! The dull shall perish — dullard, wake ! Or thou shalt follow."