Poems of James Clarence Mangan (Many hitherto uncollected): Centenary edition: Edited, with preface and notes by D. J. O'Donoghue: Introduction by John Mitchel |
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THE DYING FATHER. |
 | Poems of James Clarence Mangan |  |
311
THE DYING FATHER.
A father had two children, Will and Christy—The last a bright young lad, the first a dull humdrum.
One day, perceiving that his hour was come,
Stretched on the bed of death he glanced with misty
Eye around the room in search of Christy—
“My son,” he said, “sad thoughts begin to darken
My mind. You are a genius. What a task it
Will be for you to face the world! But hearken!
Inside my desk there lies a little casket
Of jewels. Take them all, my son,
And lock them up, and give your brother none.”
The youth was wonder-struck. He thought this droll,
And looking in his father's face, he said—
“But, bless me, father! if I take the whole,
What is poor Will to do? I greatly dread—”
“Dread nothing, Christy,” interrupted t'other;
“There's not the slightest ground for this timidity;
I'll warrant you your booby of a brother
Will make his way through life by sheer stupidity!”
| Poems of James Clarence Mangan | |