254 WITH THE WOODLANDERS. 



something worthy of the occasion, in order still 

 further to humble the pride of the other leader. 



The poet was supplied with a bundle of quill 

 pens, plenty of ink and paper, and besides these, 

 two large dumpy bottles of "ager mixter," so called. 

 After two days had elapsed a deputation went to 

 see what he had succeeded in producing. This 

 was received by the wife, who told them that the 

 work was proceeding well, but they must not 

 "worrit him." On the fourth day she let them 

 know that they could now come up for the verses. 

 With all the gravity befitting the situation, these 

 were handed over that evening; the poet also 

 contributing a tune which he had composed to 

 suit them. They began as follows : 



"There cummed unto our coast a whale, 

 A very big whale indeed, 

 T'others couldn't catch un, 

 But we did 

 Hip, hip, hip, hooray !" 



Our village was not critical, and the verses were 

 sung and roared through the quiet streets to the in- 

 spiriting accompaniment of a drum and a key-bugle. 



Whenever I hear of a stray visitant, some bird 

 or other that is unusually uncommon, the first 



