ORIGINAL VERSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1917, Page 6

ORIGINAL VERSE.

JESSIE'S SIIILE. .Dales ridentem Lalagen amaba, Rules loquentem. —Ho-acp. J.et others pipe of war's grim game— Its heroes anil their deeds reclaim, In softer strain I sing the fain? Of Jessie's smile. In eyes that shine begins its race, A sunbeam flitting place to place, And dimpling round in witching grae» About the mouth, it' gives her face A winning wile. It lends a light to wavy hair, And sparkles on a brow so fair In sunny plash of freckle rare Does Jessie's smile. Twould eheer tho gloom of Polar night And grace her More than jewels bright— The courtliest dame in splendour disiit, Would Jessie's snub, A flow'ry hue with sweetness blent A bright star in the firmament Of faith and love, most eloquent Is Jessie's smile. A saint would turn to Hoav'n on earth; The sinner prove in evil dearth And own of innocence the worth Did Jessie's smile. The little ones about her kneo In loving worship pause to see, Like Raphael's cherubs answ'ringly . Madonna's smile. And Harry, \ylien the ploughing's done And home he comes at set of sun In spirit feels reward is lions Like Jessie's smile. Tho' Excess Duty drain the purse, And envy sneer or critic curse, These matter not when paid my verse With Jessie's smile. ROBERT J. BAKE WELL. Waitui, April 2", 1917.