A BRITISH-ROMAN SONG

(A. D. 406)

My father's father saw it not,
And I, belike, shall never come,

To look on that so-holy spot

The very Rome—

Crowned by all Time, all Art, all Might,
The equal work of Gods and Man-
City beneath whose oldest height

The Race began,

Soon to send forth again a brood
Unshakeable, we pray, that clings,
To Rome's thrice-hammered hardihood-
In arduous things.

Strong heart with triple armour bound,
Beat strongly, for thy life-blood runs,
Age after Age, the Empire round-
In us thy Sons,

Who, distant from the Seven Hills,
Loving and serving much, require

Thee, Thee to guard 'gainst home-born ills,

The Imperial Fire!

ON THE GREAT WALL

ON THE GREAT WALL

When I left Rome for Lalage's sake
By the Legions' Road to Rimini,
She vowed her heart was mine to take
With me and my shield to Rimini-
(Till the Eagles flew from Rimini!)

And I've tramped Britain and I've tramped Gaul
And the Pontic shore where the snow-flakes fall

As white as the neck of Lalage

As cold as the heart of Lalage!

And I've lost Britain and I've lost Gaul

(the voice seemed very cheerful about it),

And I've lost Rome, and worst of all,

TH

I've lost Lalage!

HEY were standing by the gate to Far Wood when they heard this song. Without a word they hurried to their private gap and wriggled through the hedge almost atop of a jay that was feeding from Puck's hand. 'Gently!' said Puck. 'What are you looking for?'

Parnesius, of course,' Dan Dan answered. 'We've only just remembered yesterday. It isn't fair.'

Puck chuckled as he rose. 'I'm sorry, but children who spend the afternoon with me and a Roman Centurion need a little settling dose of Magic before they go to tea with their governess. Ohé, Parnesius!' he called.