Long had he laid his burnished armour by,
But still we flew his banner for a sign,
Still felt his spirit like a rallying-cry
Hearten the fighting line.

But he--ah, none could know the heavy strain,
Patiently to accept the watcher's part
While yet no weakness sapped the virile brain
Nor dulled the eager heart.

He should have died with all his harness on,
As those the Valkyr bore from out the fight,
In ringing mail that still unrusted shone,
Up to Valhalla's height.

Yet solace flowed from that surcease of strife:
Love found occasion in his need of care,
And time was ours to prove how dear the life
An Empire ill could spare.

And generous foes confessed the magic spell
Of greatness gone, that left the common store
Poor by his loss who loved his party well,
But loved his country more.

And ancient rivalries seemed very small
Beside that courage constant to the end;
And even Death, last enemy of all,
Came to him like a friend.

O. S.

* * * * *

[Illustration: JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN. JULY 2ND, 1914.]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

(EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.)

_House of Commons, Monday, July 6._--All heads were bared when the
PRIME MINISTER rose to move adjournment of HOUSE in sign of sorrow at
the passing way of a great Parliament man. To vast majority of present
House JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN is a tradition. His personal presence, its
commanding force, is varied and invariable attraction are unknown.
Since his final re-election by faithful Birmingham, where, like the
Shunamite woman, he dwelt among his own people loving and loved, he
only once entered the House.

It was a tragic scene, perhaps happily witnessed by few. Appointed
business of sitting concluded and Members departed, a figure that once
commanded attention of a listening Senate slowly entered from behind
the SPEAKER'S chair. It was the senior Member for Birmingham come
to take the oath. The action was indicative of his thoroughness and
loyalty. No longer were oaths, rolls of Parliament and seats on either
Front Bench matters of concern to him. His manifold task was done. His
brilliant course was run. But, until he took the oath and signed the
roll, he was not _de jure_ a Member of the House of Commons, and his
vote might not be available by the Whips for a pair on a crit