Mafeking 17th May,1900.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 12, 1 September 1900, Page 910

Mafeking 17th May,l9oo.

A tiny handful, dulled by ceaseless care Within the close beleaguered town. By day The straining watch; by night the fierce affray; High Hope anon, close dogged by chill Despair. Upon their efforts rests no Empire's life, Relentlessly the steady tide will flow Albeit they bow the knee unto the foe, And gain a respite from their aching strife. Yet firm they stand. Their sires' untarnished fame It is that nerves them, dauntless to endure, That steels their hearts 'gainst base surrender's lure, And makes to yield, to them seem darkest shame. We thrill with pride that we, too, share their name, And in their glory may participate. ■■•''• .•'■■ >■■••' .. Delta.