RIGA'S GRAND WELCOME 27 



and we say to her, "Peace be within thy walls and 

 prosperity within thy palaces. ' 



A RUSSIAN S TRIBUTE IN VERSE TO COLUMBIA'S 



HELPING HAND 



In addition to the souvenir received by Mayor 

 Stuart of Philadelphia from the Ladies' Circle of 

 Riga, his Honour has in his possession some poetry 

 forwarded by Michael A. Scherbinin, of Rublevka, 

 Poltava Government, Russia, ''with the author's 

 most sincere and most respectful regards.' The 

 ode follows: 



To Our Neighbour 



Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neigh- 

 bour unto him that fell among the robbers? And he 

 said; He that showed mercy on him. 



LUKE x, 36-37- 



Thou say'st it is by obligation 



For service rendered in the past 

 That thou art succouring our nation 



In time of dearth and deadly blast. 



Well, be it so! But Lord, defender, 

 Was blaf-weard in thy tongue of old. 



In modern English this to render 

 It meant bread-keeper, we are told. 



