and even over wild-bird tradition and matrimonial tyranny the truth of our love for Robin Hood, its single lapse forgiven, had prevailed.

[ ]

WHY THE SPIRE FELL

Our Emperor built a marble church

So holy never a bird might perch

On cross or crocket or gilded crown,

A fretted minster of far renown,

But still the spire came crashing down.

They stoned the swallow and limed the lark;

A rosy throat was an easy mark;