Page:Now We Are Six (1955).pdf/84

Of Hilary the Great and Good
  They tell a tale at Christmas time
I’ve often thought the story would
Be prettier but just as good
If almost anybody should
  Translate it into rime.
So I have done the best I can
For lack of some more learned man.

  Good King Hilary
  Said to his Chancellor
  (Proud Lord Willoughby,
  Lord High Chancellor):
“Run to the wicket-gate
  Quickly, quickly,
  Run to the wicket-gate
  And see who is knocking.
  It may be a rich man,
  Sea-borne from Araby,
  Bringing me peacocks,
  Emeralds and ivory;
  It may be a poor man,
  Travel-worn and weary,
  Bringing me oranges
  To put in my stocking.”