Memories

Xi ANY years ago, the following poem was /v ' written by the late Mr. J. M. Masterton, who was then British Vice-Consul at Tonga.

More recently, the poem has been set to the music of a song by Mr. A. Wycliffe Servante. who is a resident of Nukualofa, Tonga. The music appears to be as beautiful as the words of the poem, and the song has been published under the title of “The Pilgrim’’, a pianoforte solo, by Messrs. A. Weeks & Co., Ltd., of London.

Mr. Servante has sent us a copy of the song and we understand that it has been favourably commented upon by reviewers.

Evening’s fingers, bars of sombre tinting, Dim the glories of the sunset on the sea; One by one, pale stars above me glinting, Mark another day’s decline for me.

I lie dreaming, while the shadows darken, Linked with memories of long-dead, flowering days; Calling, calling one who cannot hearken, Straying, once again, through love charmed ways.

Comrade of the sea and sunset only.

I lie dreaming of what never more can. be.

Allah, have compassion on the lonely, Send forgetfulness and peace to me.