30 MARCH 1889, Page 15

POETRY.

SONNET.

TO THE LIBERAL UNIONISTS OP 1897. YE, who, to Virtue and your Country vowed, Reject, denounce dishonoured party ties, And side by side with ancient enemies

'Confront the Jacobin onset blind and loud Nor snared by sophist tongue nor clamour-cowed, England's brave sons, pursue your high emprise So much the more, the more the unjust, the unwise Rain on you fire from faction's low-hung cloud.

Against you march Revolt and Rapine's brood:—

That sect its scope remoter knows not yet : In France its axe is red with brothers' blood : Firm as a flint your face 'gainst such is set.

Old friends change faith : to old convictions true Ye change but place. Changelings are they, not you.

AUBREY DE VERB.