16 MARCH 1889, Page 15

POETRY.

" TOUJOURS L'AUDACE!"

ONCE in our lives we know what men we are :

In common hours we live as common men, Our valour not true valour; and a star Shines not more distant than oar "now, and then."

Anon, as winds that shake a stagnant deep, Comes there a wakening. On some glorious day Dull custom drops from off us like a sleep, And fear, a horrid nightmare, slinks away : And we are free, and freedom is a power Of joy, of inspiration. Only dare, Dare strongly! When it comes, the day, the hour, Delay not ! Coming dangers throng the air : Before us lie the paths of light or gloom, A greater England, or decay and doom ! A. G. B.