W. Cecil Slingsby

(From The Hills of Peace).

From Yorkshire’s breezy dales he first drew breath,
And in his youth he learned to love the fells.
A generous soul, he liked to share his joys
With other men ;   and as the years passed by
Full many a mountain brotherhood was formed
In which he played his part.   Nor was this all.
He spread the sacred flame of mountain-craft
In other lands.   Norwegians hailed him as
Another Odin visiting their land
To lead them on to concpier icebound peaks,
Within tlie circle of the midnight sun :
So now his name is known through all their land,
And will be known so long as manhood lasts.
But we, with hills less rugged, like to think—
His spirit, passing like the summer breeze,
Still draws its fragrance from our heather slopes,
And wanders on to greet the tufted grass
Within the crevices of some high rock,
Where distant views entrance—Such natures show
The peace of nations is no empty dream
Beyond the reach of our humanity.

Lawrence Pilkington.