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Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 285, 17 July 1873, Page 7

SELECT POETRY.

THE STRANGER'S DEATH. Hush ! tread softly ! whisper gently ! On your couch a fair youth lies ; And a surile o'erspreads his features, Though grim death has closed his eyes. No one knows the youthful stranger, ]No one knows his friends, or name ; Not a soul his antecedents Knows, nor yet fron whence he came. Kind and thoughtful was the stranger,— Man in mind,— in years a boy ; Fair and gentle in demeanour, He was fit for heavenly joy. Round his neck a golden locket Hangs, suspended by a thread, Plaited from the soft and silken Hair from some fair maiden's head. In the locket is a picture Uf his true love, beauteous, rare ! And beneath her lovely features, "Annie" is engraven there. Who shall tell her of her darling ? How, untended by her hand, Died he in a far-off country," < ■ In a strange, though kindly land. Who shall tell her as she watches, Bravely battling 'gainst her fears, "While her fond hearr. sadly sickens Wilh the hope deferred for years ? Who shall tell his care-worn mother, As she breathes her evening prayer* That the Father of all nations Will her son take in His care? Oh ! ye mourners ! cease your trouble, For the Wiind'rer is at rest ; In the Great Creator's Mansions Stands he now an honoured guest. Faithful " Annie," wait a little, And ye both shall meet again In that fair and happy Love Land, Free from strife and mortal pain. Gently lay the youthful stranger In the heart of Mother earth, While his soul, freed from all clanger. Unto fadeless joy gives birth. Christchurch, May 27, 1573. J. T. M. S.