13 JULY 1895, Page 17

POETRY.

IRONY.

WHAT would the world be if the good ceased striving ;

Did no one stand for justice, no one say I am for virtue ; but the truth betray, Raising no protest, silently conniving P Who ever lived true life by such contriving !

Who has not longed, after some dreadful day, For night to drop its curtain on the play, With silent ben, diction all things shriving ?

'Tis not by irony men live : we need To know uho are the mourners, who have tears ; Who would give life for country or for creed, Not quench his own and others' fire in sneers.

Ah, God! from street to street we sometimes go As men in masks, and know not friend from foe.

A. G. B.