Mr. Rudyard Kipling has a fine poem, " France," in
Tuesday's Morning Post. In memorable lines be traces the long rivalry that has ended in fraternal understanding :- " Spurred or baulked at every stride by the other's strength, So we rode the ages down and every ocean's length!
• Proved beyond the need of proof, matched in every clime, 0 companion, we have lived greatly through all time!"
The poem begins and ends with a remarkable summary of the great qualities of France:— "Broke to every known mischance, lifted over all
By the light sane joy of life, the buckler of the Gaul, Furious in luxury, merciless in toil,
Terrible with strength renewed from a tireless soil,
Strictest judge of her own worth, gentlest of man's mind, First to face the Truth and last to leave old truths behind— France beloved of every soul that loves or serves its kind !"
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