6 JULY 1907, Page 26

POETRY.

THE UNSEEN HOST.

IF once again, as oft before, This land must fight for life and name, A world her foe—alone no more— Living and dead shall guard her fame. Drake's drum shall beat, and Arthur's hound Of British breed give tongue again, (As Roland's horn of potent sound Once rallied all the host of Spain).

In distant, long-forgotten graves, 'Neath hidden roots of ancient trees, In Eastern sands, and Southern waves, And frozen wastes of Polar seas, Unarmed the eager legions wait, Close-ranked the silent spearmen lie, Till the far-reaching voice of Fate Announce the hour of Destiny.

E. H. TIPPLE.