Jam Veris Comites.

After Horace (Odes IV, 12)—And Others.

A gentle breeze, the harbinger of Spring,
Speeds the white sails to Eastbourne-o'er-the-water;
Green things put forth, and "Spike" once more appears.
To swat the swotter.

The blackbird carols to the world at large,
Saying that Winter has at last relented,
And every sparrow on the housetop chirps
Like one demented.

The young bound as to the tabor's sound
(Poets and sheep with one consent refraining
From shepherds' pipes, which are not what they were
When Pan was reigning).

Such weather, Charles, encourages a thirst
Which has its uses. I f you'll come at seven—
Lectures be hang'd—we'll take an evening off,
And trust to heaven.

Remember, man, how soon the Pussyfoot
Will veto everything but tea or cocoa
And don't delay: desipere, you know,
Is wise in loco.

F.