MISS HUDSON'S POEM.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2970, 28 July 1891, Page 3

MISS HUDSON'S POEM.

W* have been rcquestod to publish tho following beautiful poem, written somo months ago by Miss Hud-ion, of the Thames, and which obtained tho first pri/.n in a public competition. The spirit breathed throughout it differs somewhat from that exhibited by the modern toiler, whose ambition appears to b<! simply short hours and high wagon. But there are some—few though it may bc-prnnd of thoir labour for its own sake; these will read with pleaHiiro Miss Hudson's poem :— THE mCiNU'V o> , HONKST LAIIOUR. When Adam into <lisol.cclie.ncc tV-11 And lost his Iwinpy st.itc, the w.irUl was laiJ Under a dreadful curse. In toil ami pain Jlen now must wrest those treasures from the ground Once yielded freely. Hut behold the curse Turnod to a blessing ! From this bittur root Springs forth r. (joiidly flower—the ioy of work— Thfi keen delisjht ol effort; joys and fears ; And then the glorious triumphs of success! If but to wish were to achieve, this life Were dull indeed, and aimless. Happy those Who needs must work to live. Sweet is the bread, And sweet the rest b> honest labour won. Who well and truly ply their daily tasks Uerive a dignity from honest toil. They're independent-bear themselves erect— Look all men in Ihe face, and cringe to none ! Hone liveth for himself—we live to serve, And so by serving live. 'Tis noble joy To feel ourselves a part of .me gnat whole, K.ich serving all in truest brotherhood. Not those who ally live on others' toil, Wasting the precious years in selfish ease, Are the tree noblemen; but those whose lives Are spent in efforts for the common good ; .Large benefactors of the human rac*;; Who win strange secrets from the elements; Wrest from the. earth its treasures rich and rare ; Scale mountains; traverse unknown lauds and Do battle with disease, and want, and crime ; Voire forth those noble thoughts which can The world to noole deeds. Lay down their lives In the pursuit of knowledge ; oft unknown, Unhimoured by men 'mung whom they lived ; Not remembered by a grateful wiHil ! These are our heroes '. Honour to them all ;— Rut not to them alone. For all who serve From love of serving, with the pure desiro To aid their fellows, willing tu be naught, l'.ecorue in their degree like un!o Him Who being King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, became amung His friends as one who servos.