4 MARCH 1899, Page 16

POETRY.

OLD FRIENDS.

Au yes, our hands met here and there, Our wandering eyes met now and then, About Life's crowded thoroughfare,—

Bat coldly seeing we were men.

And looks are slight, and hands are slow, And words so hard to say, and weak ; Even the best the poets know Mean mOre than even they can speak.

Then Death struck lightning through the air; A rock was rent, set free a heart; And two old friends communion share When one lies speechless and apart.

H. C. Begeffirtu.