Page:In bad company and other stories.djvu/171

 'I sent him back by a stock-rider next day. He is safe at "The Gums" by this time. I'm dry, though. You wouldn't think it, now! Pass the whisky.'

'I say,' said Maxwell, 'there's a feller which is a poet in this company. Wasn't that a ballad, Aubrey, that you pulled out of your pocket just now, among all those tailors' bills, or licences, or whatever they were? Let's have it.'

This was addressed to a fair-haired youngster who was arguing with great interest and eagerness the relative fattening merits of shorthorns and Herefords.

'Well, it's something in the scribbling line. If you want it, you must read it though; I'll be hanged if I will. Writing it has been quite bother enough.'

'Well,' said Maxwell, 'it's not every fellow who can read, or spell either, for the matter of that. I'll read it myself, sir; perhaps you may find the effect heightened. Now listen, you fellows; a little sentiment won't do none of us any harm. What's it called? H—m!

I see a lone stream rolling down Through valleys green, by ridges brown, Of hills that bear no name; The dawn's full blush in crimson flakes Is traced on palest blue, as breaks The morn in orient flame.

I see—whence comes that eager gaze? Why rein the steed in wild amaze? The water's hue is gold; Golden its wavelets foam and glide Through tenderest green—to ocean-tide The fairy streamlet rolled.

Forward, Hope, forward! truest steed, Of tireless hoof and desert speed, Up the weird water bound, Till echoing far and sounding deep, I hear old Ocean's hoarse voice sweep O'er this enchanted ground.

The sea! Wild fancy! Many a mile Of changeful Nature's frown and smile, Ere stand we on the shore; And yet that murmur, hoarse and deep, None save the ocean surges keep— It is the cradles' roar!