Select Poetry.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 319, 23 March 1878, Page 3

Select Poetry.

SCANDAL. When cannibal savages after a fight Make a feast of those they have beaten, The grisly repast yields a keener delight From the knowledge that every unfortunate wight Would have deemed it a deeper disgrace to be eaten. Though the custom is fast dying out in Fiji, As the ifluence of Western example increases, In civilised countries you often may see A circle of friends, in the highest glee, All busily picking some neighbor to pieces. And the best of it is that the neighbor is not, As in islands barbaric, a person deceased ; His flesh has been baked in no caldron or pot ; They don't even trouble to serve them up hot; For the victim still lives in the midst of the feast. Some good natured friend, p’r’aps may make him aware Of the nature of these hungry monsters' employment; And, though in reply he may stoutly declare That such vivisection won t hurt him a hair, Yet he writhes at the thought of their fiendish enjoyment. Still one comfort remains. In the isles of Fiji No possible vengeance is left for the victim He is cooked and defunct. But in Europe lie’s free To seek satisfaction : and sometimes we see That he wounds in exchange for the wounds which have pricked j im. Then beware, Mrs. Smith ; beware lovely Miss Brown 1 Young Jones whispers nothing that isn't quite true : Be a little more careful of others' renown, For Mr. Thompson in yonder recess has sat down With Miss Green, and is quietly cutting mi you ! —Arthur Locker, in Helyravia.