Poetry.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2742, 8 February 1890, Page 5 (Supplement)

Poetry.

RUDOLPH VON ERLACH. In his hall the hero Rudolph Sits in peace, his battles done ; O'er him hangs Burgundia's banner, Iα the fight ef Laupen won. AlLhw vassals in'the village Hhjd their revel loud and long ; He will rest the eve untended, Who should do him scathe or wrong ? Musing there, he sees before him Vanished days come back again ; All life's effort, failure, triumph, All the rupture all the pain. Peels once more the joy of battle In his old veins surging free ; Heads the charge and grasps the standard, Breaks Burgundia's chivalry. As at Berne, before the Minster, Wrought in bronze, we see him stand, Stalwart knight and gallant war horse, Bulwark of his Fatherland. Gentler thoughts succeed—of Bertha; Oh, the bitter day she died ? And the fair haired boy who perished Hotly striking at his side. Well he knows they wait to greet him . When death's barrier has been cressed; This at least hath age, it brings ua Nearer to the loved and lost. On him steals false-hearted Rudenz, Wedded to his daughter fail : "Dotard, all too longthou lingerest, Thus I seal mysolf thine heir." Seizing then the sword that flay-like Rose and fell in Laupen's fight, With one felon thrust he slays hjjro, And leaps forth into the night. " None to note the deed, or 'venge it: Who will guess his kinsman's hand ? Mine at length is yon fair castle, Mine the gold and mine the land." But the bloodho,unds mark the death cry, Well that voipe beloved they know,; Drag their chains, and all unbidden On the murderer's traces go. Rudenz hears, and, winged by terror, Doffs his mantle, breasts the hill, Turns to listen, and the clanking Chains draw near and nearer still. As when hunted by the Furies, On Orestes' ear they fell, Clamour of their iron scourges, Baying of the dogs of hell. Slow at morn returned the bloodhounds To their murdered master's door, Laid them down and slept contented, Fangs and muzzles red with gore. None knew where the chase had ended, In what chasm Rudenz lay Torn and mangled for tho raven And the wolf a fitting prey. While for Rudolph rose the death prayer; "Thmi who didst our freedom win, Sage in council, brave in battle, Heaven assoil thee from all sin." —H. T. R., in the Spectator. IF AND PERHAPS. If everyone were wise and sweet, And everyone were jolly; If every heart with gladness beat, And none were tnolancholy ; If none should grumble or complain, And nobody ehould labour In evil work, but oach were fain To.love and help his neighbor— Oh, what a happy world 'twould be For you and mo—for you and me And if, perhaps, we both should try That glorious; time to hurry ; I£ you and I—just you and I— Should laugh instead of worry ; If we should grow—just you and I— Kinder and sweeter hearted— Perhaps in some near by and bye That good time might got started. Then what a happy world 'twould be For you and me—for you and me ! —Harper's Young People.