EVICTED.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 372, 11 July 1874, Page 4

EVICTED.

By Dakiel Cokxilmt It was not much of a place, you say, And we need'ut be breaking our hearti about that. That's true. ; it was poor enough every way. But what are we going to do without it ? Sure, it was the home we had, And the home of the poor old people before us; Ah, Sir but the heart must be dark and bad ■;-, That takes what the whole world can't *-* restore us. When times were better, and I was young, Before the famine and dreadful fever, It's many a merry old song was sung Within those walls that are gone for ever. It's many a frolicsome hour was spent. Strong bouchals and colleens all glad ~ together, Beside the hearth where a true content Made pleasant the wildest winter weather. It was there our simple marriage feast Was spread, and the kindly jest passed lightly, Wi'h the neighbours round and the holy priest. And the smiles of friendship beaming brightly. And it was there our first poor darling 'died (Hush, Mary, alannsh, don't be cryin', Sure heaven is just and the best are tried), There where the rafters now are lying. When lords and ladies the great and high Were wastin' riches in mirth and riot. And men and women were left to die For food not having wherewith to buy it ; Then gaunt faced hunger was often there, And sickness, sorrow, and sore denial — .The pain that follows the steps of care, And many a bitter and darksome trial. But still through all that was drear and sad, Some comfort ever remained to cheer us— A roof to shelter the aching head And the darling children always near us ! Ant now, ah now, with the children gone the, lands where the old may be forsaken, And the home a rain of thatch and stone, Is it strange our hearts are almost breakGod pity the poor ! its many a load Fate bids them carry, though weak and weary, Along the ragged and cheerless road That fades in future dim and dreary. And heaven have mercy on the great When splendor, station, wealth and power, All darkly vanish and soon or late At the dreadfnl Judgment Seat they oower>