NOW.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 106, 8 May 1875, Page 6

NOW.

BY ADELAIDE 0. PEOCTER. Eise ! for the clay is passing, And you lie dreaming on ; The others have buckled their armor, And forth to fight are gone j A place in the ranks awaits you, Each man has some part to play ; The Past and the future are nothing, In the face of tlie stern To-day. Eise from your dreams of the future, — Of gaining some hard-fought field ; Of storming some airy fortress, Or bidding some giant yield ; Tour Future has deeds of glory, Of home (God grant it 1 may !) But your arm will never be stronger, Or the need so great as To-day. Eise ! if the Past detains you, Her sunshine and storms forget j No chains so unworthy to hold you, As those of a vain regret ; Sad or bright, she is lifeless for ever, Cast her phantom arms away, Nor look back, save to learn the lesson Of a nobler strife To-day. Eise ! for the da-y is passing j The low soxmd that you scarcely hear Is the enemy marching to battle — Arise ! for the foe is here ; Stay not to sharpen yotu* weapons, Or the hotir will strike at last. When, from dreams of a coming battle, You may wake to find it past.