Eleanor, 22-August 2 London, Stratford-Avon

August 2

MORE LONDON

After the Abbey Service 'twas raining hard
But still we must see the change of the cavalry guard.
So we pressed in past some people to try to get near,
When a friendly voice said, " 'ere, stand over 'ere.
They're chinging two sentries only, and not the troop.
'Ere on the Kings birthday the colors droop."

"W'at stood there was the palace that William the Norman built.
This is 10 Downin' street, where Lloyd Geroge and Law
Use to live, and on this side, Barry and Shaw.
They say its the 'eart of the 'Hempire, St Jimes's squire,
It m'b be the 'eart of the 'Hempire for all I care."

August 3

LONDON

Here's all of London to see in three short fleeting days.
All of London the heart to thrill and the eyes to amaze.
All of the British Museum to "do" in an hour, and then
To Claridges for tea, and back on the jump again.

At night the marvelous tableaux in wax by Mne Toussaud
Next morning to the change of the guard at St James Square we go.
Then to Eton and Windsor Castle and the gardens of Hampton Court
And at night to a London play, lest the day be cut too short,
And our normal hours, to eat and retire we couldn't sleep
For each moment of London was precious, too precious to waste in sleep.

August 4

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Sweet singer of Avon, how can I dare
Even to try to address you?
I felt presumptuous breathing the air
Of the town that used to possess you.
I felt presumptuous walking the street
Toward the cottage you went to court in.
Of finding along the banks a seat
By the stream you used to sport in.

These are the trees and the changing sky
And the green, green fields that made you.
This was your home in the days gone by
This is the church where they laid you.