IN A MUSIC-HALL: 1. MARY-JANE MACPHERSON by JOHN DAVIDSON

He thinks I'm a governess still,
But I'm sure that he'll pardon my choice;
I make more, and rest when I'm ill ,
And it's only the sale of my voice.

I doubt it is sinful to dream;
The World's the true God- head,
I fear; Its wealth, power, iniquity seem
The mightiest Trinity here.

And this on a leaf of its book,
Which is life, and is ne'er out of date,
Is the passage I see when I look
As in Virgil for tidings of fate:

You must each undergo a new birth;
You must die to the spirit, and be
A child of the lord of the earth,
Of our Saviour, Society.

Get wisdom of worldly things,
And with all your getting, get gold;
Beware of the tempter who sings
Of other delights than are sold. 66

But of all things a poor girl should shun,
It is the despising of pelf;
And another as notable one
Is the loving a lad like herself.

Because while she dreams day and night
Of love, and good fortune, and bliss,
Oppression, disgrace, and despite,
Glad fiends that are never remiss,

The world's evil angels of wrath
Pursue him she loves with their rods,
Till he falls overcome in the path;
For the World's the most jealous of gods."

Then I read in my heart, and I see
The heresy taught by my dear;
Before he was parted from me,
He whispered it into my ear:

I go to make money, my sweet;
I'll join the gold-worshipping crew,
And soon bring the world to my feet,
For I'll worship and labour for you.

Your work is to dream, dearest heart,
Of the happiest, happiest life." I whispered,
I'll manage my part;
I'll dream day and night I'm your wife."

But that is so long, long ago,
Such daily eternities since;
And dreaming is sinful, I know,
And age all my poor darling wins.

Time patiently weaves from his sands
My life, a miraculous rope:
I would sever the cord in his hands
And die; but I hope, and I hope.

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