THE VENTURE OF LIFE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 413, 23 October 1889, Page 6

THE VENTURE OF LIFE.

In the early dawn, when the sun, yet golden, Lovingly lighted the peaceful sea, • I loosed my ship from the point where holden Kope-bound at rest, she lay waiting for me. Fair were her lines, each spar so taper— bight to gladden a seaman's eye, As she faintly loomed thro' the frail white vapour, That hung like a reil 'twixt sea and sky. Well was she freighted, rich was the burden ii l^? d «i? eath he J" decks, in the hold within, laith, Hope, and Love wherewith to guerdon Her voyage, what time she (he port should Light blew the breeze, as the land behind her Slowly faded adown the view ; The day grew bright, and the sun shone kinder. As my fair ship over the waters flew. Yet soon came a change, the sun was hidden. For murky clouds hung low and dark, We did our best, as the gale swept o'er us, -#<>»»« out craft from its fitful force. Whilst the wind roared loud, and the sea before Grew yet more dark for our future course. " Heave up the cargo, see how she tosseß 'Labouring and torn by yet fiercer seas: ?wSt JSL^t.^ 80 ' ***& th ° u g h loss isi Nothing but this can give her ease." Faith went flrst-for a little longer ' we d s battle the storm, it might yet allay.: But, vain, were our efforts, the wind bW • stronger, And precious Hope soon wag cast away; Then came a lull, the clouds seemed lighter. ' The storm wind ceased, and our hearts again ?S! c , as we _ m arked the sea grow brighterbtUl. might our voyage prove nofrin rain. Sad was the sight as we gazed around us, v-vlu Can T a8 torn and cordage strained, w#X?i Bblp was Bafe> and the evening found us With love on board and the harbour gained. N< ai?ls save Love in our ship storm-driven, All the rest of our treasure lost ; BotJi Faith and Hope to the flerc« waveß grren, Ihe price of our lives when tempest tost. Again it is p«ace. and once more holden Rope-bound, at rest, by a waveless sea, Our ship lies moored, whilst the sun, y«tf Shines on the haven where we would be. E. H. Gulliver.