SEA SPRAY &• SMOKE DRIFT 



Far away was wont to twine, 

 That in meadows far from this 

 Softer lips might kiss. 



All is over ! this is death, 



And I stand to watch thee die, 

 Brave old horse ; with 'bated breath 

 Hardly drawn through tight-clenched teeth, 

 Lip indented deep, but eye 

 Only dull and dry. 



Musing on the husk and chaff 



Gather'd where life's tares are sown, 



Thus I speak, and force a laugh 



That is half a sneer and half 

 An involuntary groan. 

 In a stifled tone — 



" Rest, old friend ! thy day, though rife 

 With its toil, hath ended soon ; 



We have had our share of strife. 



Tumblers in the mask of life, 

 In the pantomime of noon 

 Clown and pantaloon. 



112 



