19 JUNE 1886, Page 15

POETRY.

Wasted with cruel care, Climbing, wearily climbing A thronging gallery stair ; Only a people's concert Crowded from roof to floor, Only a fair girl singing They never had heard before.

Only a brave girl ending Only an old world song, Only a glad girl bowing To the plaudits loud and long ; Ah ! but the same voice lifted Anew in a strange, sweet strain ; Ah ! but a passionate silence And a rush of tears like rain.

Only a daughter singing Only that old man's tone, Ah ! but a gush of music Like the nightingale in June.

Then a sudden storm of cheering From the heart of that mighty throng, And a glad girl clasping the father Sbe has saved by only a song.

ALFRED PERCEVAL G Ravels.

Westkay, Kingston, near Taunton.