Eleanor, 21-July 31 Holland, London

July 31

HOLLAND

We've been driven on our journey, a domesticated pack,
We've been hustled to the station and as quickly hustled back.
We've been herded into busses just like subjugated goats
And three times a day they fastened on a nosebag full of oats.

But a man's a man for all o'that, as Burns so well observed,
To create a new adventure our initiative served,
This morning for some hours we selected our own road,
And not a soul pursued our steps to ply the whip and goad.

And why was it more fun to sail the Amsterdam canals,
Just sitting talking nonsense to my four congenial pals.
Then to sail the Zuyder Zee in such another little boat,
Which differed just in having thirty souls or so afloat?
Well, I think I've indicated what it was the difference made,
For we formed this vast decision without anybody's aid.

August 1

LONDON

It wasn't the guide who led me about the town,
Up the Tower of London stairs and down, It wasn't the guide.
But all day long I've encountered conductors enough
When I came to the grave where Newton lay, it was Dr. Huff
Who stood at my side.

And walking through Kensington Gardens this afternoon,
We found the world's most adorable boy playing a tune,
Where Peter Pan stood.
Who showed me the mice and rabbits and woodland things?
Who showed me the graceful sweep of the fairies wings?
It was Becky Wood.

And it was Donald Barnes who showed me where in Hyde Park
The soap-box orators speak and the multitudes hark.
He showed me the Strand.
And where Browning and Tennyson lay in the Poets nook,
I am sure I could feel, as I quietly stopped to look,
Mrs. Barbers' hand.

But who introduced me to all those known to fame?
Who mentioned Prince Haland Couer-de-Lion's name,
And many another,
The two little princes, Lancelot and Ilaine
Queen Bess and Raleigh and Alfred fighting the Dane?
That was my mother.