THE PRIZE POEM.

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 89, 27 May 1882, Page 164

THE PRIZE POEM.

In ancient Greece, when art was young, . With tragic 1 tale her lyre she strung ; And actors rude, with Thespian stage, Refined the manners of the age; When Rome Imperial held the sway, - Her people loved a lighter play ; , . And comedy and pantomime Exposed the evils of the time. Religion lent her powerful aid To consecrate what man had made, And, in the darker ages, took Her stories from the Sacred Book, And showed with dialogue and plan, The sorrows of the friend of man. We turn to Britainin the reign ■ "* . Of that great Queen who fought with Spain,. And made our mighty nation great — The envy of each neighbouring State, When Shakspeare boldly seized the lyre, And burning with poetic fire, Enlarged the verse that Marlow used, And with such genius interfused, That ages hence through endless time Shall learn of Britain from his rhyme. And now among the Southern Seas We cultivate the Art to please, And rear a building of a kind To soothe and purify the mind. Religion says—" Thou shalt ;" " Thou must **■ Aud Law will punish — grind to dust — But we adopt a humbler strain, And strive by pleasing, hearts to gain ; Show vices sprung from little seeds — The fate that follows evil deeds, — With lively satire laughing down The follies of our rising town,-r And sweetest music to the ear Of care-worn mortals ever dear. Applaud our efforts, for, 'tis true, We please ourselves by pleasing you. J. J. 3INOLAIE,