Helen of Troy

"Le joyeulx temps passe souloit estre occasion que je faisoie de

plaisants diz et gracieuses chanconnetes et ballades. Mais je me

suis mis a faire cette traittie d'affliction contre ma droite nature

. . . et suis content de l'avoir prinse, car mes douleurs me semblent

en estre allegees."--Le Romant de Troilus.

To all old Friends; to all who dwell

Where Avon dhu and Avon gel

Down to the western waters flow

Through valleys dear from long ago;

To all who hear the whisper'd spell

Of Ken; and Tweed like music swell

Hard by the Land Debatable,

Or gleaming Shannon seaward go, -

To all old Friends!

To all that yet remember well

What secrets Isis had to tell,

How lazy Cherwell loiter'd slow

Sweet aisles of blossom'd May below -

Whate'er befall, whate'er befell,

To ALL old Friends.