THE ROSE TREE IN THE BUSH.
(Written for the Observer.)
" Say Bill, be careful with your axe ! We must, spare this little tree. So you don't know a mate of mine Camped here some time with me — Sam and his wife and a little child. Well, the little one died — ah ! me, You should have seen big Jim how ho sobbed ahd cried When we planted this little tree. Big Jim was an awful swearing cove, No wife or child had he ; But when this little 'un sickened like, He nursed her so tenderly, And he took his crack six-shooter out, " An' listen, boys," says he : " Don't none of ye dare *-o curse or swear When ye pass this little tree. For somehow I kinder like to think OB the child's pretty face : Lord ! how she'd talk of a dying God, And a Saviour's love and grace ! So take off yer hats when passing here, Never mutter an oath — d'ye see ?" And Jim brushed away his burning tears As he sat by the wild rose-tree. And 'tis many a year since then to now, But never a sun goes round But Jim, when passing from his work, Remembers 'tis hoty ground. He doffs hid hat, " An' listen, mates, I'm an awful cove," says he ; " But I feel a little bit Christian-like When I pass this wild rose-tree." W. E. Wills, Otahuhu.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TO18850124.2.32
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Observer, Volume 7, Issue 228, 24 January 1885, Page 8
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231THE ROSE TREE IN THE BUSH. Observer, Volume 7, Issue 228, 24 January 1885, Page 8
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