ORIGINAL VERSE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16215, 18 May 1918, Page 7

ORIGINAL VERSE.

SADDLE-GALLED. (specially written fob "the pbess.") (B* Win. H. Ooiiate.) I took the saddle from my gallant grey; And when I tore the sweat-lined cloth away, A round red gall more than a hands-breadth wide Showed raw and quivering on the wrinkled hide. Then musing, sad at heart, I called to mind The long miles siice the dawning flung behind; The proud, high-headed walk; the canter sweet; The flash and music of the four white feet Constant and tireless; all the strength and speed Given without grudging, taken without heed. No slacking of purpose had he^town;

No cry of pain had made, no aob, no moan; But, clad in courage as from hoof to crest, Had borno his burden and had given his best.

|So, when the red gods rid© us to our woe, Empurpling rib and flank with ceaseless spur, When, galled and fretted, plunging to and fro, To their wrenched reins unwilling we defer, Shall we not learn our lesson here displayed And carry on, high-con raged, undismayed?

A good storv is related regarding tho late General *Davies (says the (Auckland "Star")- It appears that the present King, when visiting J>ew Zealand as Duke of Cornwall, became acquainted with the then Colonel Davies. After General Davios was stationed at Aldershot, the King frequently had a chat with him when visiting the camp. On one occasion his Majesty was riding a new horse, and he asked the General his opinion of the steed, remarking that it was from New Zealand. The General said. "It would cost about £50 out there, but I presume your Majesty had to pay £200 or £300 for it here." "That was about the cost," replied King George with a smile.