TO A COUPLE OF THAMES NAIADS Row, ladies, row! It will do you good: Pleasant the stream under Cliefden Wood: When our skiff with the river drops down again, Glad you will be of some iced champagne. O, a boat on the river is doubly dear When you've nothing to do but adore and steer. Row, darlings, row! Whether stroke or bow Is sweeter to look at, better to row, Is a question that plagues not me, as I laze, And on their graceful movement gaze. 'Tis the happiest hour of the sultry year: The swift oars twinkle; I smoke and steer. Row, beauties, row! 'Tis uncommon hot: I _can_ row stroke, but I'd rather not. As we meet the sunset's afterglow, Two absolute angels seem to row; Wingless they are, so of flight no fear-- Home to dinner I mean to steer. * * * * * [Illustration: _Father Thames_ (_to Henley Naiads_). "Don't be alarmed, my dears. If he comes within our reach, I'll soon settle his business!" ["The G. W. R. Company must have known that their contemplated line from Marlow to Henley would raise a storm of opposition against any interference with the Thames at spots so sacred to all oarsmen."--_Vide "A Correspondent" in "Times."_] ] * * * * * ON THE RIVER (_Page from the Diary of a Sweet Girl Clubbist_) _Monday._--Very pleased I have been chosen for the boat. So glad to have been taken before Amy and Blanche. I am sure I shall look better than either of them. They needn't have been so disagreeable about it. Amy asking for her racquet back, and Blanche refusing to lend me her cloak with the feather trimmings. Fanny should make a first-rate stroke, and Kate a model coach. _Tuesday._--We were to have practice to-day, but postponed it to decide on our colours. Blouses are to be left optional, but we are all to wear the same caps. We had a terrible fight over it. Fanny, Rose and I are blonde, so naturally we want light blue. Henrietta is a brunette, and (selfish thing!) stood out for yellow! However, we settled it amicably at last by choosing--as a compromise--pink. Then I made a capital suggestion, which pleased everybody immensely. Instead of caps we are to wear picture-hats. _Wednesday._--Went out in our boat for the first time. Such a fight for places! I managed to secure bow, which is a long way the best seat, as you lead the procession. Everybody sees you first, and it is most important that the crew should create a good impression. Henrietta wanted the position, and said that her brother had told her that the lightest girl should always be bow. I replied "quite right, and as I had lighter hair than hers, and my eyes were blue and hers brown, of course it should be me." Fanny and Rose agreed with me, and Kate (who was annoyed at not being consulted enough) placed her five. Henrietta was in such a rage!