Collegia – Ode 20: Artie and Willie

(Apologies to Tennyson)

Artie and Willie
Slept in a cell;
Sleep, tired students;
And they slept well.

Green was the cell within,
Grimy without.
Sounds of the city
Wandered about.

Sleep, weary students;
Wake not soon!
Rising-bell’s echo
Dies before noon.

Two bright men
Slept in their cell.
What are they dreaming of?
Who can tell?

‘Gan a harsh whirring
From the old bell;
Wake, tired students,
Get out of the Well!

1. 12. 1927