JANUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 31, 6 February 1937, Page 2 (Supplement)

JANUARY.

(Sent in by .Toy litillnml, W2, nomiiera Koiul.) Janus, the greatest of nil Koninn gods, was "Oil- god of the beginnings," and every true Koninn, at the beginning of any undertaking, dedicated his work to this god from whom we get the name January. It is llio lirst month—the beginning of a New Year—and is folXovv, 'the word Janus comes from a Latin word moaning "door," and if we think a moment we see how January is the door which opens to give us a lives—another New Year. The Romnns thought so mueli of their god Janus that they placed the doors of their houses under his protection, thinking that by so doing all evil would he kept out. He was regarded as the god of the sun, and was depicted with two faces, one looking back to the. past year and the other looking forward. In the same way, upon the beginning of a Xew Year, we. look back over the old one, and a. good many of us resolve to turn over n new leaf and begin afresh in the New Year.—Copied.

HOW ROBIN HOOD RESCUED MAID MARIAN. A BALLAD. (By PEGGY WILLIAMSON.) Xow Isambart, he. fain would wed, The fair Maid Marian, When Robin Hood heard his intent, Straight to his men he ran. Quoth, he, "If she must wed that knave She will but pine away, So bring your bows, my bonny men, And save the lass to-day." Hugo bade Gut of Gisborne take The lass through Sherwood green, To meet the man that she must wed, And yet had never seen. Maid Marian did weep alono That she must wed the knave, But hope, it died from out her heart, When Guy the order gave. Came Guv of Gisbornc through the wood, Strong, in his armour clad, And just behind him soldiers rode, ■ And near the. maiden sad. Bold Robin loosed a shaft and cried, "Stand fast, you cowards all; Give me the maid, you shall go free, Or else, i'fnith, vou'll fall."

As Jfarian gazed upon his face. She. fell in love, 'tis said. So strong ho looked, so bold and brave, Witli green cap on his head. And out from every bush and tree, .Sprang men in Lincoln green. Guy's men in terror fled from thence, Till not one could be seen. But Guy then spurred his gallant steed, And lushed on Robin bold, Who warded off the blow, and struck, Which made Guy lose his hold. And Kohin caught him in his arms, And threw him to the ground. "I lose," cried Guy in sullen rage, As he lay tied and bound. "Xow, listen, Guy!" cried Robin Hood. "Give me the maid to-day, Or else I'll send you home 'in shame: And what will Hugo say?" As Guy did vouchsafe no reply, They tied him to his horse, And Friar Tuck led him away, And pointed out his course". In vain Guy tried to shout for help, In vain he tried to ficc, ' For he knew Hugo, and he feared, What the result would be. Said Robin, "Maid, there is a king, In this our Sherwood free, Jsnt long have we wished for a queen; Will you be one for me?" The blushing maid, she did consent To be the royal bride. '.Midst laughter, merry-making, joy, She ruled by Robin's side.