Poetry.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2474, 19 May 1888, Page 1 (Supplement)

Poetry.

NOT ONE TO SPARE.

" Which shall it be? Which shall it be?" I looked at John, John looked at mo (Doar patient John who loves me yet As well as when my locks were jet); And, when I found that I must speak, My voice seemod strangely low and weak, "Tell me again what Robert said." " This is his letter : ' I will give A house and land while y«n shall live, If in return froin out your seven One child to mo for aye is given. I looked at John's old garments worn, I thought of all that John had borne Of poverty and work and care, Which I, though willintr, could not share ; I thought of sovrn mouths to feed, Of seven little children's need, And then of this.

"Ciime John," said I, " We'll choose among them as they lie Asleep." tic, walking hand in hand, Dear John and I surveyed our band. First to the cradle lightly stept Whore Lillian the baby slept, A glory 'gainst the pillow white, Softly the father stooped to lay His rough hand down in loving way, When dream or whisper made her stir, And huskily ho said, "Not her !" We stooped beside the trundle-bed, And one long ray of lamplight shed Athwart the boyish faces there, In sleep so pitiful and fair; I saw on Jamie's rough red cheek A tear undried. Ern John could speak, " He's but a baby too !" said I, And kissed him as we hurried by, Pale patient Robbie's angel-face Still in his sleep bore suff'ring's tracn. " No, for a thousand crowns not him !" He whispered, while our nyes were dim, Poor Dick, bad Dick, our wayward son, Turbulent, reckless, idle oneCould he be spared ? Nay, He who gave Bade ns befriend him to his grave ; Only a mother's heart can be Patient enough for such as he. "And so,"said John, "I would not dare To send him from your bedside pray'r." Then stole we softly up above And knelt by Mary, child of love. " Perhaps for her 'twould better bo ?" I said to John. Quite silently Hβ lifted up a curl that lay Across her cheek in wilful way, And shook his head, " Nay, love, notthee !" The while my heart boat audibly. Only one more, our eldest lad, Trusty and truthful, good and gladSo like his father. " No, John, no— I cunnot, will not let him go !"

And so we wrote in courteous way And could not drive one child away ; And afterwards toil lighter seemed, Thinking of fc hat of whicli we dreamed, Happy in truth that not one face Was missed from its nccustuincd place— Thankful to work for all tlio seven, Trusting the reßt to One in heaveu. Anon,