ur exports will consist of wool, bark, tallow, gum, hides, furs, and last,
although not least, the finest cured beef in the world. If the latter
article of produce is acknowledged as it deserves to be, and finds and
establishes an _eastern_ market, nothing will prevent the colony from
rising to importance. As far as price is concerned, we can compete with
any country in the world. We have no politics in Port Philip. The
community are far better employed in attending to their commercial affairs.
Let them but persevere honestly and prudently in their course, and they
must do well.

And so much for my first epistle, honoured Christopher. If it afford you
amusement, you shall hear from me again. I have spoken the truth, and have
writ down simple facts. As such, receive them, and communicate them to
your neighbours. And now, with affectionate remembrances to yourself and
all enquiring friends,

Believe me,

Reverend Christopher,

Your grateful and attached,

JOHN WILLIAM.

* * * * *

THE PROPHECY OF THE TWELVE TRIBES.

"And Jacob called into his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together,
that I may tell you _that_ which shall befall you in the last days.

"Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken
unto Israel your father."

--GENESIS, xlix. 1, 2, &c.

The Patriarch sat upon his bed--
His cheek was pale, his eye was dim;
Long years of woe had bow'd his head,
And feeble was the giant limb.
And his twelve mighty sons stood nigh,
In grief--to see their father die!

But, sudden as the thunder-roll,
A new-born spirit fill'd his frame.
His fainting visage flash'd with soul,
His lip was touch'd with living flame;
And burst, with more than prophet fire,
The stream of Judgment, Love, and Ire.

"REUBEN,[6] thou spearhead in my side,
Thy father's first-born, and his shame;
Unstable as the rolling tide,
A blight has fall'n upon thy name.
Decay shall follow thee and thine.
Go, outcast of a hallow'd line!

"SIMEON and LEVI,[7] sons of blood
That still hangs heavy on the land;
Your flocks shall be the robber's food,
Your folds shall blaze beneath his brand.
In swamp and forest shall ye dwell.
Be scatter'd among Israel!

"JUDAH![8] All hail, thou priest, thou king!
The crown, the glory, shall be thine;
Thine, in the fight, the eagle's wing