To The First xv.

They crowned with victory a season's play;
With skill and strength upheld the honoured name,
Snatched still another laurel-leaf from fame,
That will not wither with a passing day.
They share with us the honour they have won—
Our name is theirs, our ancient pride of place—
To those who faltered not, nor slipped the race
We pay this tribute; and the praise begun,
To future generations it is due
To keep their memory green, their name revered,
To tell the tale as they have heard it told;
How they stood fast, nor let Poneke through,
But holding firmly, made their valour feared,
And raised, victorious, the green and gold.

—K.Z.