A way of saving his face: He twirls his stick to a shep- herd's crook, To trip and bring one of them back to book, As though he'd been giving chase! HE got back gasping-- "They'd too much start!" "I'd've shot 'em instead!" said Wren. "That was your job, Sir, if you'd the 'eart-- But it wouldn't 've been you, then. I pray my Lord I may live to see A firing-party in front o' them three!" (That's what he said to the men.) NOW, Joy and Wren, of Company B, Are a favourite firm of mine; And the way they reinforced A, C, and D Was, perhaps, not unduly fine; But it meant a good deal both to Wren and Joy-- That grim, gaunt man, but that desperate boy!-- And it didn't weaken the Line. NOT a bad effort of yours, my lad," The Major deigned to declare. "My Sergeant's plan, Sir"-- "And that's not bad-- But you've lost that ribbon you wear?" "It--must have been eaten away by the Gas!" "Well--ribbons are ribbons-- but don't be an ass! It's better to do than dare." DARE! He has dared to de- sert his post-- But he daren't acknowledge his sin! He has dared to face Wren with a lying boast-- But Wren is not taken in. None sings his praises so long and loud-- With look so loving and loyal and proud! But the boy sees under his skin. DAILY and gaily he wrote to his wife, Who had dropped the beati- fied droll And was writing to him on the Meaning of Life And the Bonds between Body and Soul. Her courage was high--though she mentioned its height; She was putting upon her the Armour of Light-- Including her aureole! BUT never a helm had the lad we know,