ORIGINAL VERSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1917, Page 7

ORIGINAL VERSE.

NGAURUHOE. Xganruhoe, in your wrath, Shooting flame and boulders forth, How you boom and roar and shake Causing all around to quake! And the molten lava stream To the watcher's eye doth seem Like a river, broad and wide, Flowing down the mountain side. When your fury all is spent, Back to rest you'll sink content, And the mist and sunshine there Will kiss your brow in peace again. Ngauruhoe, like'to you, Men .have evil passions too, That burn within the human breast, Tho' outward seeming calm at rest. Like some demon chained within, ' Reign these passions ruled by sin, Gathering force from day to day, Tims in time they gain full sway. When a vent is found at last, All restraint aside is cast. Then the cruel blast of war Shrieks aloud from shore to shore. All the world is bathed in blood Flowing like a lava flood, Homes are ruined, hearts are broken When this dreaded call is spoken; When their fury all is spent Will the nations rest content? Will justice then with mercy blent, From the God of Heaven sent, Falling like the pleasant rain On some dry and withered plain Refresh all nations' souls again, And Time, with healing on his wings And the soothing, balm he brings. Heal these dreadful wounds of war And grant great peace for evermore? -C.W.