5 APRIL 1890, Page 17

POETRY.

THE SUNDAY BAND ON HAMPSTEAD HEATH.

(SANCTIONED BY THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL.) ANOTHER smiting of poor Nature's cheek !

The Sunday Band, with its unceasing blare, The halfpenny programme and the penny chair, Greet those who flock her restful charms to seek.

Gas, roads, and railings your pure zeal bespeak, Where once bloomed wild-flowers in the woodland air, But here, 0 Guardians ! stay your hand, and spare The Sabbath calm that crowns the noisy week : You cannot " County-Council " the blue sky, Nor licence the sweet song of mounting lark, But all below, that gladdens ear and eye, Bears soon or late your low, unspiritual mark.

Once more, in Nature's dear behalf, we cry,—

God made the Heath : oh, make it not a Park

A. A.