We don’t think much of Tommy A.’s―― Indeed, we rather scout them In times of peace――yet these are days When we can’t do without them. In future, let us recollect This fact, and oft remind them That England’s ready to protect The wives they’ve left behind them. _Funny Folks._ March 7, 1885. ――――:o:―――― A TALE OF THE TENTH HUSSARS. When the sand of the lonely desert has covered the plains of strife, Where the English fought for the rescue, and the Arab stood for his life; When the crash of the battle is over, and healed are our wounds and scars, There will live in our island story a Tale of the Tenth Hussars. They had charged in the grand old fashion with furious shout and swoop, With a “Follow me, lads!” from the Colonel, and an answering roar from the troop; From the Staff, as the troopers pass’d it, in glory of pride and pluck. They heard and they never forgot it, one following shout, “Good luck!” Wounded and worn he sat there, in silence of pride and pain, The man who’d led them often, but was never to lead again. Think of the secret anguish! think of the dull remorse! To see the Hussars sweep past him, unled by the old White Horse! An alien, not a stranger; with heart of a comrade still, He had borne his sorrow bravely, as a soldier must and will; And when the battle was over, in deepening gloom and shade, He followed the Staff in silence, and rode to grand parade; For the Tenth had another hero, all ripe for the General’s praise, Who was called to the front that evening by the name of Trooper Hayes; He had slashed his way to fortune, when scattered, unhorsed, alone, And saving the life of a comrade had managed to guard his own. The General spoke out bravely as ever a soldier can―― “The Army’s proud of your valour; the Regiment’s proud of their man!” Then across that lonely desert, at the close of the General’s praise, Came a cheer, then a quick short tremble on the lips of Trooper Hayes. “Speak out,” said the kindly Colonel, “if you’ve anything, lad, to say; Your Queen and your dear old country shall hear what you’ve done to-day!” But the trooper gnawed his chin strap, then sheepishly hung his head; “Speak out, old chap!” said his comrades. With an effort, at last, he said―― “There sits by your side on the Staff, sir, a man we are proud to own! He was struck down first in the battle, but never was heard to groan; If I’ve done aught to deserve it,”――then the General smiled, “Of course!”―― “Give back to the Tenth their Colonel――the Man on the old White Horse!