Part 12 (1/2)

”AUSTRALIA: VICTORIA-NEW SOUTH WALES-QUEENSLAND.”

THE OUTCASTS.

(_Melbourne_.)

Here to the parks they come, The scourings of the town, Like weary wounded animals Seeking where to lie them down.

Brothers, let us take together An easeful period.

There is worse than to be as we are- Cast out, not of men but of G.o.d!

VICTORIA TO JAMES MOORHOUSE, {76}

_Bishop of Melbourne_, _who left Melbourne for the Bishopric of Manchester_, 10_th_ _March_ 1886.

He came, a stranger, and we gave him welcome More as loved friend than rumour's honoured guest.

He spoke! Were we, then, all so slack to listen?

To hail him as our wisest, n.o.blest, best?

_Why did he leave us_?

He toiled! And we, we under such a leader, Forgot all other creeds, but that he taught, And proud of our clear answer to his summons, Forgot all other fights but that he fought!

_Why did he leave us_?

He wearied! 'Twas too great, he said, the burden.

We saw it and we cried with anxious love; ”What does he (Let him back!) down in the battle?

Is not the general's place at rest above?”

_Why did he leave us_?

He left us for a ”wider sphere of labour!”

A tinsel seat within a House that shakes, To herd with priests meal-mouthed, with lords and liars That still would bind a nation's chain that breaks!

_Why did he leave us_?

Farewell, then! Are there any to reproach you In all this facile crowd that weeps and cheers?

Not one! But, ah you yet shall listen sadly To an echo falling faint through the dead years:- _Why did he leave us_?

IN THE SEA-GARDENS.

(_Sydney_.) ”THE MAN OF THE NATION.”

Yonder the band is playing And the fine young people walk.