18 NOVEMBER 1899, Page 29

POETRY.

THE SCHOOLFELLOW.

OUR game was his but yesteryear ;

We wished him back ; we could not know

The self-same hour we missed him here He led the line that broke the foe.

Blood-red behind our guarded posts Sank as of old the dying day;

Tbe battle ceased ; the mingled hosts Weary and cheery went their way :

" To-morrpw well may bring," we said, "As fair a fight, as clear a sun."

Dear lad, before the word was sped, For evermore thy goal was won.

HENRY NEWBOLT.

• We may, r think, in the case of the Boer's, infer the negative of this proposition.