Everyone mourned for Lord William, even the cabmen in London, Dublin and elsewhere. The newspapers were full of “Our Bill” and amongst the many touching references to his death, I think the following is one of the nicest. LORD WILLIAM BERESFORD _Born July 20th, 1847, died December 30th, 1900_ The old grey year is stricken down--and lying (The days are dark, the trees stand gaunt and bare) Stretches its hand and takes from us--while dying-- One whom we ill could spare. Soldier and sportman, no fond hand could save you From the old robber bearing you away, England who once the cross for valour gave you, Honours you with tears to-day. What is the epitaph which shall be found him? Let this story of his lost life tell, All hearts that knew him to-day around him Whisp’ring, “Kind friend, farewell.” Erin, a vigil o’er her dead son keeping, Now takes him softly, sadly to her breast, Under her grassy mantle hides him sleeping, And gives him his long rest. BALLYHOOLEY. _Sporting Times_, January 5th, 1901. Ballyhooley was really the _nom-de-plume_ of Mr. Bob Martin, who wrote the Irish humorous songs for the Gaiety and was a great man on the staff of the _Sporting Times_. In one of the weekly papers appeared the following: “The regret of all for Lord William Beresford. A Bill that everyone honoured, but alas none can meet.” In another paper someone signing themselves “Roy” wrote: A fearless soldier and a sportman bold, Beloved by all; gallant to foe and friend, Brave, true-hearted, as our knights of old, A V.C. hero! noble to the end. _December_, 1900. I always thought it was illuminating the way, though Lord William never met his wife’s mother, he felt it would be a pleasure to her, and his duty to write regularly giving account of his wife and son’s doings, and so forth; ending in a sincere attachment on both sides, and his mother-in-law heaped beautiful and costly presents on him, sent from America.