The sun of the Southland called me; I turned her the rich, brown linesWhere her Parramatta peach-trees grow and her green Mlldura vines;I drove her cattle before me and her slowly-dying sheep;I painted her rich plains golden, and taught her to sow and reap.
From Egypt, behind my oxen with stately step and slow,I have carried your weightiest burden, ye toilers that -reap and sow!
I am the Ruler, the King, and I hold the world in fee; Sword upon sword may ring, but the triumph shall rest with me!
Will H. Ogilvie.
Author.-William Henry Ogilvie was born in Scotland in 1869 and educated there. He arrived in Australia in 1889, and engaged in bush occupations for two years, during which time he was a contributor to several Australian papers and magazines. He returned to Scotlandin 1908. His works include Fair Girls and Grey Horses, Hearts of Gold., Rainbows and Witches, My Life in the Open, Whaup o" the Rede, The Land We Love, The Overlander, The Honour of the Station, The Australian, Galloping Shoes, Scattered Scarlet. From Australia he went to Scotland and to Canada, where he was a teacher in an agricultural college.
General Notes.-Egypt, Rome, England, America, Australia-what intervals of time and distance separate these civilizations? Name leading men in each of the countries. Cincinnatus, a Roman hero, was, in 485 B.C., called from the plough to be dictator. The Forum was the Roman market- place and scene of public meetings. Have a debate on "The Plough is greater than the Sword".
LESSON 13
HOW HORATIuS kEpT THE BRIDgE
(A Legend of Ancient Rome.)
[In the days before Rome had become mistress of Italy, she was ruled by a cruel race of kings called the Tarquins. At last the Romans became so angry that they drove the Tarquins away and chose two wise men to govern them. These men were called consuls. The Tarquins obtained the help of the Tuscans, who lived in central Italy, and set out to attack Rome and regain their throne. They marched almost to Rome, but the River Tiber rolled its waters between them and the city. There was only one bridge by which to cross, and the Romans with their axes were trying to destroy it before the enemy arrived.
Other persons mentioned in the poem are :-
Lars Porsena (por"-seh-nah), the ruler of a city in Tuscany. He led the host that tried to put the Tarquins back on the Roman throne.
Sextus, the eldest son of the house of Tarquin.
Astur, ruler of Luna, a town in Tuscany. The town is now called Carrara.
Horatius (hor-ay"-shus), captain of the guard at one of the gates ofRome.
Spurius Lartius (lar"-shus), a Ramnian, or descendant of one of the three foremost tribes of Rome.
Herminius, a Titian (tee"-sh"n), or descendant of another of thegreat tribes.]
But the Consul"s brow was sad, and the Consul"s speech was low,And darkly looked he at the wall, and darkly at the foe. "Their van will be upon us before the bridge goes down;And if they once may win the bridge, what hope to save the town?"Then out spake brave Horatius, the Captain of the gate: "To every man upon this earth death cometh soon or late; And how can man die better than facing fearful odds,For the ashes of his fathers and the temples of his gods!
"Hew down the bridge, Sir Consul, with all the speed ye may;I, with two more to help me, will hold the foe in play.
In yon strait path a thousand may well be stopped by three;Now, who will stand on either hand and keep the bridge with me?"Then out spake Spurius Lartius,-a Ramnian proud was he:
"Lo, I will stand at thy right hand and keep the bridge with thee."And out spake strong Herminius, of Titian blood was he: "I will abide on thy left side and keep the bridge withthee."
"Horatius," quoth the Consul, "as thou sayest, so let it be,"And straight against that great array forth went the dauntless three.
For Romans in Rome"s quarrel spared neither land nor gold,Nor son, nor wife, nor limb, nor life, in the brave days of old.
Then none was for a party; then all were for the state;Then the great man helped the poor, and the poor man loved the great;Then lands were fairly portioned; then spoils were fairly sold;The Romans were like brothers in the brave days of old.
Meanwhile the Tuscan army, right glorious to behold,Came flashing back the noonday light,
Rank behind rank, like surges bright Of a broad sea of gold.
Four hundred trumpets sounded a peal of warlike glee, As that great host, with measured tread,And spears advanced, and ensigns spread, Rolled slowly toward the bridge"s head,Where stood the dauntless three.
The three stood calm and silent, and looked upon the foes; And a great shout of laughter from all the vanguard rose;And forth three chiefs came spurring before that deep array;To earth they sprang, their swords they drew,And lifted high their shields, and flew
To win the narrow way.
But the laughter of the Tuscans was soon changed to wrath, for one chief after another from their army was laid low by the three Romans.
But hark! the cry is " Astur"; and lo! the ranks divide, And the great lord of Luna comes with his stately stride. Upon his ample shoulders clangs loud the fourfold shield,And in his hand he shakes the brand which none but he can wield.
Then, whirling up his broadsword with both hands to the height,He rushed against Horatius, and smote with all his might.
With shield and blade Horatius right deftly turned the blow.
The blow, though turned, came yet too nigh; It missed his helm, but gashed his thigh;The Tuscans raised a joyful cry to see the red blood flow.
He reeled, and on Herminius he leaned one breathing- space :
Then, like a wild-cat mad with wounds, sprang right at Astur"s face.
Through teeth and skull and helmet, so fierce a thrust hesped,
The good sword stood a hand-breadth out behind the Tuscan"s head !