IN MEMORIAM.

Southland Times, Issue 1127, 10 September 1869, Page 3

IN MEMORIAM.

From Churchyard Monodies, by J. Gk Smith. A little boy, my brother, sleeps below ; , lVtethinks f sen his sunny ringlets flow I Aroumi his lofty brow of purest snow, .And eves of azure hue, Like violets bathed in dew. He was, in truth, a lovely, smiling boy, A child of innocence and hopf- and joy. He sank to sleep Ere sin had made him weep, Or angry storms could budding hopes destroy. Many long years hare passed away J Since closed his short, his winter day, And many a sun hath risen and set, But his merry voice, I hear it yet ; In silvery tones it speaks to me Of joys that never fi^ain may be. I hear its musio in the rill On summer evenings hushed and still, And in the gentle whispering breeze That softly sigheth thro' the trees ; And oft I listen to the sound, . And start, and stop, and gaze around, J As if it might be That I could see My brother's form come back to me. Many a day and many a year Lonely I've trod this desert drear, The last remaining son of seven, One on earth and sii in heaven. The oth«r» died In manhood's pride, Severed by oceans deep and wide ; But he who lies beside this stone Faded before his spring had flown. I saw him like a flower decay And droop and wither day by day. I nursed him with a brother's care, But hope soon yielded to despair. Oh ! ruthless time can ne'er efface The anguish of our last embrace ; It was not night, or morn, or day, But a nameless something dim and gray, When on my breast He sank to rest, And liis gentle spirit passed away.