6. A HUGUENOT
Reading edition
O, a gallant set were they, As they charged on us that day, A thousand riding like one! Their trumpets crying, And their white plumes flying, And their sabres flashing in the sun.
O, a sorry lot were we, As we stood beside the sea, Each man for himself as he stood! We were scattered and lonely— A little force only Of the good men fighting for the good.
But I never loved more On sea or on shore The ringing of my own true blade, Like lightning it quivered, And the hard helms shivered, As I sang, "None maketh me afraid!"
Mary E. Coleridge.
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7. ON THE TOILET TABLE OF QUEEN MARIE-ANTOINETTE
This was her table, these her trim outspread Brushes and trays and porcelain cups for red; Here sate she, while her women tired and curled The most unhappy head in all the world.
J. B. B. Nichols.