POETRY.
A DREAM OF SPRING.
r" As I have travelled in your country I have seen the graves of British Soldiers in many places, and very often these were aide by side with those of Boers who had fought against them. Now both lie together in peace; let UB who live, live also in peace."—Mr. Chamberlain at Lichtenbwrg.]
THEY sleep possest of her they sought, Briton and Boer, side by side; For Freedom both alike they fought, For Freedom died.
One for a freedom true but small, Untaught in letters and in art, Hemm'd in the life of farm and stall, Alone, apart.
The other for the freedom born In island homes by lawn and lea, Where England kisses, night and morn, The open sea; Where knowledge in the quick exchange Of give and take, from mind to mind, Learns wisdom on a wider 'range From all mankind, And builds for life a spacious law Not fasbion'd for one favour'd race, A fount of Right whence men may draw In every place.
Thne both for Freedom died, and we, Kneeling beside their new-made grave, Here vow to plant it, like a tree, Their work to save.
Up from the ground its life shall flow, As sap that in the oak-root starts, And firm and strong shall Freedom grow In friendly hearts.
Here let us bury outworn hate For ever 'neath the tear-stain'd sod, And build a new and better State For man and God.
WILLIAM H. DRAPER.
Previous page
