And then, although their courage ne'er forsook them,
They wondered once again if they must sit
Awaiting death . . . but knowing well

That even for a while to dwell

On such like thoughts will drive a strong man daft:

They shook themselves until their thoughts ran free
Along the drift, and clambered in the cage,
And in a trice were shooting up the shaft:
But when their thoughts had come to the pit-head,
And found the fearful people gathered there,
Beneath the noonday sun,

Bright-eyed with terror, blinded by despair,

Dick rose, and with his chalk wrote on the wall
This message for their folk:

"We can't get any further, 12, noonday"

And signed both names; and, when he'd done,
Though neither of them spoke,

They both seemed easier in a way,

Now that they'd left a word,
Though nothing but a scrawl.

And silent still they sat,

And never stirred:

And Dick's thoughts dwelt on this and that:
How, far above their heads, upon the sea
The sun was shining merrily,

And in its golden glancing

The windy waves were dancing:

And how he'd slipt that morning on his way:
And how on Friday, when he drew his pay,
He'd buy a blanket for his whippet,1 Nell:

I 20

125

130

135

140

145

He felt dead certain she would win the race,

On Saturday . . . though you could never tell,

There were such odds against her . . . but his face
Lit up as though, even now, he saw her run,

A little slip of lightning, in the sun:

150

While Robert's thoughts were ever on the match

His team was booked to play on Saturday;

He placed the field, and settled who should play
The centre-forward; for he had a doubt

Will Bum was scarcely up to form although . .

155

...

1 A racing dog (see dictionary).

Just then, the lamp went slowly out.

Still neither stirred,

Nor spoke a word;

Though either's breath came quickly, with a catch,

And now again one thought

Set both their hearts afire

In one fierce flame

Of quick desire:

Though neither breathed her name.

Then Dick stretched out his hand; and caught

His brother's arm; and whispered in his ear:
"Bob, lad, there's naught to fear . . .

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165

And, when we're out, lad, you and she shall wed."

Bob gripped Dick's hand; and then no more was said,
As, slowly, all about them rose

170

The deadly after-damp; but close.

They sat together, hand in hand.

Then their minds wandered; and Dick seemed to stand
And shout till he was hoarse

To speed his winning whippet 1 down the course
And Robert, with the ball

175

...

Dick, with his arms clasped tight about his brother,
Whispered with failing breath

Into the ear of death:

"Come, Robert, cuddle closer, lad, it's cold."

1 A racing dog (see dictionary). 2 Under the arm.

185

SOME SINGLE METRICAL TALES FOR OPTIONAL READING Note. In the following list of single metrical tales, you will find many old friends. You should, however, read several of these tales that you have not read before. Although they are very similar, what real distinction can you see between a metrical tale and an imitation ballad? Write a report similar to the one you made for the tales which you chose from the three groups.

FOURTEENTH CENTURY

"The Knight's Tale" from "Canterbury Tales”........ Chaucer

1. Before turning to the very different kind of poetry given in Part II of this book, you should take a backward look at the four types of narrative poetry discussed in Part I. Why are all these classed as narrative poetry? 2. Do you think you will be able to distinguish a metrical tale from a great epic, a metrical romance, and a ballad? What is the bond of relationship which classes them together? 3. Which one of these types were you most interested in? Why? 4. Which is the greatest of these types? 5. How did the central character of a tale differ, for the most part, from that of a metrical romance? A great epic?

PART II-LYRIC POETRY