74 TRAINING YOUNG 



IVith a quick shortened stride as the distance 



you measure^ 

 JVith a crack of the nostril and cock of the ear, 

 And a rocketing bound, and were over, my 



treasure. 

 Twice nine feet of water, and landed all clear ! 



What, four of us only ? Are these the 



survivors 

 Of all that rode gaily from Ranksbovo Ridge ? 

 I hear the faint splash of a few hardy divers. 

 The rest are in hopeless research of a bridge ; 

 Vce victis I The way of the world and the 



winners / 

 Do we neer ride away from a friend in distress ? 

 Alas I we are anti-samaritan sinners, 

 And streaming past Stapleford, onward we 



press. 



Ah! don't they mean mischief, the merciless 



ladies ? 

 What fox can escape stich implacable foes ? 

 Of the sex cruel slaughter for ever the trade is, 

 Whether human or animal — yonder he goes ! 

 Never more for the woodland ! His purpose 



has failed him, 



