2 JUNE 1900, Page 15

POETRY.

WAGGON HILL.

(LA.DYSMITE, JANUARY 6ra, 1900.) DRAKE in the North Sea grimly prowling, Treading his dear 'Revenge's' deck, Watched, with the sea-dogs round him growling, Galleons drifting wreck by wreck.

"Fetter and Faith for England's neck, Faggot and Father, Saint and chain,— Yonder the Devil and all go howling, Devon, 0 Devon, in wind and rain!"

Drake at the last off Nombre lying, Knowing the night that toward him crept, Gave to the sea-dogs round him crying This for a sign before he slept :— " Pride of the West! What Devon bath kept Devon shall keep on tide or main; Call to the storm and drive them flying, Devon, 0 Devon, in wind and rain!"

Valour of England gaunt and whitening, Far in a South land brought to bay, Locked in a death-grip all day tightening, Waited the end in twilight grey.

Battle and storm and the sea-dog's way! Drake from his long rest turned again, Victory lit thy steel with lightning, Devon, 0 Devon, in wind and rain !

HENRY NEWBOLT.