IN MEMORIAM. Stafford, Obit., October 4,1872,

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 246, 17 October 1872, Page 9

IN MEMORIAM. Stafford, Obit., October 4, 1872,

Aa I lay one evening reclining where the moon was brightly shining, While the soft breeze murmured nonsense, which at last became a bore. Suddenly I heard a moaning— quite an agonising groaning, As of anguished soul atoning for some darksome deed of yore, * And * troubled voice exclaiming, " Oh for peace and place of yore !" Something whispered ''Nevermore !" Then I asked myself the question. " Is it really indigestion Causes this hallucination thus my faculties to floor?" And I muttered deeply thinking. " What is causing this heart-sinking ?" For my heart with fear was sinking, nor could I myself restore , And I shivered as the whispering was repeated as before, " Peace for Stafford nevermore." Then a form appeared before me— like a spirit hQvetedo'erme: Stretching forth Ms ghostly hands, it seemed for something to implore ; And with deep, sepulchral rumbling, as of distant thunder mumbling, Or dyspeptic giant grumbling, came the words " Now all iB o'er ; If thou hast a spark of feeling, place me in thy memory's store: Think of Stafford evermore." Said he, "List !" (of course I listened, while his eyes like diamonds glistened) : " Stafford is, or rather was, the threat and honored name I bore, Far and near uiy great name stretches (please see literary sketches) ; Though those " miserable wretches " from my brow my laurels toreCrushed me when my hot ambition sought a giddy height to soar, To restore me never more ! Please record my death political ; don't be too severely critical ; • Write an epitaph explaining all my fame of days mkgfore ; Sayi had intended never from my power and place to sever ; vTo my cost I found, however, that the "wretches " named before Proved just TWO too many for me. Farewell peace and place of yore ! Think of Stafford evermore !" EPITAPH. Beneath these bricks lamented Stafford lies, (Who lived a life of politics not peace) ; The praises for his virtue reach the skies.

And for his death regrets will never cease. Kespected is tbe sacred plot of earth

"Wherein, he lies aroMthe solemn gloom ; The gentle zephyvs carol forth his worth, And sing their dirges o'er poor Stafford's toiab. N.B.- Let those who stood by his cradle follow his (political) hearse ! — " Wellington Independent."