THE VISION OF JULIUS VOGEL.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 837, 18 July 1871, Page 3

THE VISION OF JULIUS VOGEL.

Julius sat in his study, thinkirg Over his pet financial scheme ; Ilia brahi dpdared, as tho' he'd been drinkinj Nervous draughts fioni the pu zling theme Presently caine a ghostly knock, Just outsiile of his study door. Giving his nerves an awful shock ; Making the sweut from his temples pour, Setting his bristling liair ou end, While his teeth gave forth a "cliitte: chatter," And his " recreant trotters" wouldn't lend Assistance to find what was the matter. Thought he, it's some one seeking booty, And my craven hands can't hold a gun. Gart ! if it's Tito or To Kooti, Then Julius Vogel's race is run. But his fears were vain—the door oped wide, And a maiden, fair as a I'eri bride, ijtood by Julius Vogel's side. In her stately form and noble mien She bore the air of a haughty queen. A halo pround her head was glowing, Like l'hfflbui down in the west waves going. Her irows were bound With a iorie around, Whose emblems hold a nation's price ; And the robes she wore Were glistening o'er With many a golden fair device { But sadness sat upon her cheek, And a deeper sorrow seemed to speak From out her soft and silvery tones That froze the marrow in his bones j And Julius knelt Imploringly, And wildly Cried/ " Whose dog am I ?" Then kissed lie/ sparkling garment's hem, That shone with many a costly gem ; Till, bowed by fear and awe intense, He bit the dust in reverence. And n»w in tones that, pity woke, The genius of Mew Zealand spoke. " Vogel 1 see; the ship of state is driving on a reef,; Hasten to avert her fate, you are her chosen chief. Brave and skilful mariners still fear the breakers roar, And strive with gullant might to steer from off the rugged shore. Deep laden now with bonds and loans, my ship is sore distress'd j Her seamen are a crew of drones, and terror's in your breast. Arouse your laggard seamen up, and keep the ship away, And banish from your breast and theirs this craven base dismay. Savo these fair Isles that might well grace the proudest king's command, Where bounteous nature spreads her gifts with no unsparing hand; Where golden treasures lie beneath a rich and fruitful soil— A land of smiling promise for the hardy sons of toiL Let this fair land where riches teem from sunny shore to shore. Among earth's proudest nations stand, in freedom evermerel" While thus New Zealand's genius spoke, Deep groans frotn Julius Vogel broke ; Remorse into his soul had crept, And Julius bowed Ms head and wept. Then, noiseless as a spectre fay, The phantom maiden passed away. H. Mc. Charleston, July 13th 1871.