A "STONEY" REMINISCENCE

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 21, 5 February 1881, Page 210

A "STONEY" REMINISCENCE

"When good Sir Arthur ruled the land, He came to Cambridge town ; Great was the crush of nobs and snobs "Who strutted ivp and down. People came from for and near, Real swells and would-be swells ; But he, who only seemed " At Home " In all the crowd was Wells ! Phillips, Davis, both were there, With Willis by their side ; The giant Calder too, with grace, 'Neath Cowie's wing did bide. The volunteers were rather scarce, (I think so too, their pay), But some turned out (and both the "Bobs,") In martial-clad array. But he, who most did fascinate The eye of the Observer, Was J. A. 8., who gracefully His baton waved with fervour ! 'And shrilly piped the Cambridge band, But shriller piped the choir ; A moment's hush ! — The stone is laid, Of the future Wooden Spire ! And when the shades of evening fell, And Chinese lanterns shone ; How thankful did Sir Arthur feel That that day's work was done ! Poor man ! he little thought when he, Arranged to take this tour ; He'd have to lay foundation stones, And all his peace be o'er. Gladly he stretched his limbs that night, On a " national " bed of down : And groaned — " Oh ! Raynes, I'll ne'er forget St. Andrew's of this town ! "