The Convict's Farewell

( Writun for the Courier.J I. Yes nioUit r wheu the niorning light is flushing ai! tlie sky, From ttie dark and dfeary prison, they leac uil' fortb. to die. The eveniug shades have cloaed upon the last day I süall see And In the .whoie workl Mother, uone bul yoa will weep for me. Twelve good men louud me guilty their verdict was but just For I struck the blow'my mother, iiieli laid him iu the dust. I met the mau wiiose cunuiug wllea bad brought me shume and bliglit, A moment's flash of passion mud aud here I ara to-uight A convict who to all hls hopea has said a last "good-bye," For al the early dawn of light, they lead me forth to die. II. We dieamed of no such hour as this, hou 'neath the maple sbade Beside a digtant cottage door two little Ghildren played. Your heart was well nigh broken, dear, hen one was laid away To rest beside his father's grave, that sultry sumuier day. But, ob, this anguish of your heart, outstrips the other far, To see your only cherisbed child, a prisouer at the bar, I know you love me dearly still, but thluk whene'er you can Of me, a little child, aud uot a wretcbed guilty man. III. Aud riow belore my sight appear the gaüows dark and griin, The awlül enginery of death, I breathe a prayer to Him Who cares for e'en the sparrows and heeds the raven's cry To look on me with pity wheu they lead me out to die. And perhaps for your sake, Jlother, his servant tried and true He wlll listen and with justice may miugle nierey too, See, the crimson glow of morning is flushiug all the sky Farewell, beloved Mother, I ani going out to die. Cñelsea, Micli.