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The New Zealand Survey
On Passing Two Ladies in Deep Mourning
On Passing Two Ladies in Deep Mourning.
’Tis most convenient wearing black,
You bear your sorrows on your back,
Instead of in your breast!
Religion; Joy; EducationWhen pride adopts the garb of woe,
Such mournings seem mere empty show,
And grief as but a jest!
Such giddy airs and thoughtless gait,
But ill agree with mourning state,
Which now ye fain would ape!
For this display of sable dress,
Strange truths which might you shame, confess
You mock by yards of crape.
Some one departed, who forsooth
When living, might not of such truth,
Have dream’d, or been aware!—
Society; MoralityGo doff such weeds and dress more gay,
Consistent be with this display
Of manners void of care!
Ah, me! if wearing black could prove,
A charm that sorrows might remove,
That often pains my heart!
How gladly could I like you wear
The deepest black, that dire despair
Could choose, if that would free from care,
Or ease me of its smart!