THE SHIRKER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 138, 28 January 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE SHIRKER.

(By Sir Owen Seaman, Editor of London "I'uncli.")

Now of your free choice while the chance is yours To sharp their glory who have gladly died, Shielding the honour of our island shoree, And that fair heritage of starry Dridc— Now, ere another evening's shadow in Is, Conic, for the trumpet calls. What if to-morrow through the land there runs This message for an everlasting stain? — ' England expected each of all heinous To do hi* duty but <»ho looked in vain; Now she demands, by order Bharp and swift, What bhould have been a gift."

lor so it must be, if her manhood tad To stand by England in her deadly need ; If «tdl her wounds are but an idle tale, The word must issue wliich shall make you heed; And they who left her passionate pleas unheard Will have to hear that word. And. losing your free choice, you also Vour r ght to rank, on Memory's shining scrolls. Unh those, your comrades, who made haste to choose The willing service asked of loyal -onIs; r'rom all who gav esuch tribute to the heart, Your name will stand apart. I think you cannot know what meed of shame Shall be their certain portion who pursue Plea-ure "na usual" while their country's claim Is answered only bv the gallant few ; Come, then, betimes, and on her altar lay Vour sacrifice to-day 1