2 OCTOBER 1909, Page 31

POETRY.

THE MOUND IN THE MEAD* THIS is the mound that holds the slain Who fell at the ford, by the sword of the Dane; Who fell as they came from hut and hall, Fair-haired Saxons lusty and tall,

Earl and churl, and thane and thrall.

Here before birth they were doomed to fall. And here on his bracelet swore the Dane That none should be left nncleft in twain. This is the mound that holds the slain, The fair-haired Saxons lusty and tall.

For the Northman spared not great or mall,

Him of the hut, or him of the hall, Earl or churl, or thane or thrall; And this is the barrow that hides them all, This is the mound that holds the slain.

WILLrem WATSON.

• Copyright U.S.A. John Lane.