25 JANUARY 1896, Page 31

.P0 ET ItY.

VICTORY.

So I have gained a crown, and lost a friend !

What, was he envious of my echoed name ?

Did he aspire to what I did not claim, Mistake the summit that I dared ascend? .And I who chit fly toiled that I might spend My hoarded hopes to crown his tardier fame, Sad and alone, in solitude and shame, Sit mourning, careless what the Fates may send.

So David, when the latest fight was won, Reeked not of all the faithful hearts that bled To comfort him, to guard his troubled days ; He to his captains spake no word of praise, But wailed in cold unreasoning grief, and said,

ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER BENSON.