Page:The Wild Goose.djvu/57



We regret that the indispositions of the author of our first tale "Queen Cliodhna," has deprived us of the pleasure of giving its conclusion to the readers. The unavoidable length of the article "The Boyne," has also prevented us inserting it in this our last number.

"Pat."—We are unable to inform you whether or not you may expect a new serve of mails from another flock of Wild Geese in Australia.

We give the following extract from a piece received rather late this week, the length of which precluded insertion:—



The time of my departure has arrived,; and now, ere I wing my flight from amongst you, let me take a prospective glance at my sojourn, and see if I have performed my missions: let me recall my promises in the beginning, and my words and works in the meanwhile. The first one of my flock who greeted you, brought with her the assurance that the sisters would bring you memories of home and friends, of wives and sweethearts, and of scenes and songs of fatherland ever close to the wanderer"—"to console you for the past, to cheer you for the present, and to strengthen you for the future." these words include much—almost everything: and if the "Wild Goose" has failed in the fulfilment of these promises, she trusts that the kindly feelings entertained by you countrymen for her name and race will cause you to judge leniently of the failings, and take the "intention for the act." Did she stir within your hearts tender and holy feelings when she spoke to you of "Home Thoughts"? She did not intend to pain wantonly by recalling the last joys and blessing of your old homes: No, she recalled them, believing that all treats are bettered by being touched and softened by pure affection, and that the pain inflicted is more than complimented for by the good and gentle feelings which result from it. When noble "Self-Reliance" was her theme, were her words thrown away? Will you not "Call it your aid" "when toiling together beneath the burning sun of Australia, or singly scattered far through the wide, wide world, or back again in the old homes"? Do so, and "you will grow daily stronger in its strength, and be enabled to fight life's battles bravely out." Like a sage bird, she spoke of "Forethought," and she told you that "a man may be possessed of genius, bravery, energy, and a host of other attainable qualities, but with all these he will never become successful if he has not also forethought." Time will show you all hereafter whether the assertion was true or false. She told you the good words which the "Wild Waves are saying" to you: again she says, if you listen throughout life to the voices of nature, they will strengthen and refresh you with courage for the present and hope for the future. "Look below the surface," she says; "look into the depths of heart and soul, and you will find things pure, bright, and beautiful, fresh with the impress of the Orator's hand—the contemplation of which will blot out the memory of all the crosses