My dearest Amy

I am so glad to hear you are a little better. How
is the " old man " getting on ! I think you would like to hear
the piece of poetry, that I liked, that I asked them to have at
school, called " Harmosan. " Here it is: -

Harmosan

Now the third and fatal conflict for the persian throne is done,
And the Moslems fiery valour has the crowning victory won.

Harmosan, the last and boldest, the invader to defy,
Captive, overborne by numbers, they are bringing forth to die.

Then exclaimed that noble captive: " Lo ! I perish in my thirst!
Give me but one drink of water, and let then arrive the worst" !

In his hand he took the goblet but awhile the draught forbore
Seeming doubtfully the purpose of the foeman to explore.

Well might then have paused the bravest, for around him angry foes
With a hedge of naked weapons did that lonely man enclose

" But what fear'st thou ?" cried the Caliph, " Is it friend, a secret
blow ?" said the Gallant Harmosan, " no such treacherous dealing know,
Thou mayst quench thy thirst securely, for thou shall not die before
Thou hast drunk that cup of water, this reprieve is thine - no more!"
Quick the Satrap dashed the goblet down to earth with ready hand
And the liquid sank for ever, lost amid the burning sand.

" Thou hast said that mine my life is, till the water of that cup,
I have drained, then bid thy servants that spilled water gather up."

2

For a moment stood the Caliph as by doubtful passions stered,
Then exclaimed "For ever sacred must remain a monarchs' word,
Bring another cup - and straight away to the noble persian give
Drink, I said before and perish, Now I bid thee drink and live"!

What do you think of it. Is not it lovely. I hope you feel better,
and that your leg is better.

Verona and Chum., came to tea, we had Cocoa. My tummie ache is
one. I have a tooth loose, Mummy, of course, tells me never
to pull it out. It has been causing me a lot of pain but is
better now.

Mummie has given her cup of tea up. In the morning, She doesnot
want it, Mummie is quite a good nurse, sortof person I should ch
choose to understudy you. Gladstone is still 1st in Class, Eve
3rd and I am 2nd. I have had Tom, Pat, and Stuart to tea and made
them all laugh. I had my music lesson to-day. Is'nt this a long
letter? Mis Smith calls McFadden: - " Macfuttalkins ! " He was
away to-day. Here is a picture of Macfuttelkins crying : -

I am doing Mon ey sums at school, past long division. I call Stuart
" Billykins " or " Sunny Jim. " I hope I shall never cry like Ma o-
fadden in the picture. Well I must stop,'it must be nearly bed
time. Well ! Hoping you will soon be well. Lots of love from
me.