23 FEBRUARY 1878, Page 15

POETRY.

FORWARD !

FORWARD ! There is no strongest can withstand,

Nor most rebellious heart can disobey, Nor quit the unceasing march of night and day, 'The omnipotent, unalterable command.

.And ever in the front o'er all the land, Death, a dim mist, is drawn to hide the way, That only breaks just as we touch the grey ; Nor any knows what moment it shall stand, And his next footsteps enter it. And dread Are now the shapes that through the thickness fleet, Menacing war, while day and day-reprieves ; E'en now, while bluer skies break overhead, And greener grasses underneath the feet, And the first primrose laughs among the leaves.

F. W. B.