The City Of London

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 125, 20 February 1941, Page 9

The City Of London

Sir,—The dedication lo Annus Mira bilis, the pcem written l>y Joint Dryden after the Fire of London is worthy of commendation to your readers. The Londoner of 1941 is as unflinching in adversity as was lhe Londoner of IGGG; but let Dryden speak for hoi h:—

"To the Metropolis of Great Britain, The Most Renowned and Late Flourishing City of London, In its Representatives the Lord Mayor ami Court of Aldermen, The Sheriffs, and Common Council of it. As perhaps I am the first who ever presented a work of tliis nature to the metropolis of any nation, so it is likewise consonant to justice, that he who was to give the first example of such a dedication should begin it with that city which lias sot a pattern to all others of true loyalty, invincible courage, and unshaken constancy. Other cities have been praised for the same virtues, but I am much deceived if any have so clearly purchased their reputation: their fame has been won them by cheaper trials than an expensive, though necessary war, a consuming pestilence, and a more consuming lire. To submit yourselves with that humility to Use judgments of Heaven, aud at the same time to raise yourselves with that vigour above all human enemies: to be combated at once from above aud from below; to be struck down ami b* triumph; I know not whether sucii trials have been ever paralleled in any nation: the resolution and successes of them never can be.” These are noble words of encouragement from long ago—almost three centuries now —and we would do well to think of them. —I am, etc., R. S. R. FRANCIS. Otaki, February 16.