13
A WORD OF WARNING
Says William to his thriftless wife,
“To first unless you try,
Your wasteful ways will spoil our life.”
Her’s is a curt reply.
Second and third her answer give;
Full soon their fortunes fall,
Each of the hapless pair must live
And wander as my all.
14
A FINE CHARADE BY PRAED
Come from my first, ay, come;
The battle dawn is nigh,
And the screaming trump and the thundering drum
Are calling thee to die.
Fight, as thy father fought,
Fall, as thy father fell:
Thy task is taught, thy shroud is wrought,
So forward and farewell!
Toll ye my second, toll;
Fling high the flambeau’s light,
And sing the hymn for a parted soul
Beneath the silent night.
The helm upon his head,
The cross upon his breast,
Let the prayer be said, and the tear be shed
Now take him to his rest!
Call ye my whole, go call
The lord of lute and lay,
And let him greet the sable pall
With a noble song to-day.
Ay, call him by his name,
No fitter hand may crave
To light the flame of a soldier’s fame
On the turf of a soldier’s grave!