"Well, there's 'Fontenoy,' of course that's a ripper--Well, I don't
know what _you'll_ all think, but _I_ think this is a jolly
good one," he said with a renewal of defiance, and began to read, at
first hurriedly, but gathering confidence and excitement as he went
on:

"Did they dare, did they dare, to slay Owen Roe O'Neill?
Yes, they slew with poison, him they feared to meet with steel.
May God wither up their hearts! May their blood cease to flow!
May they walk in living death, who poisoned Owen Roe!
We thought you would not die--we were sure you would not go,
And leave us in our utmost need to Cromwell's cruel blow--
Sheep without a shepherd, when the snow shuts out the sky--
Oh! Why did you leave us, Owen? Why did you die?"

The Elder Statesmen listened in critical silence, while Larry, not
without stumbles, stormed on through the eight verses of the poem.
When he had finished it, there was a pause. The audience was
impressed, even though they had no intention of admitting the fact.
Christian gave a tremendous sigh. The contest for the defunct rabbit,
that had been arrested, broke out again, fiercely, but with caution.
Then Richard said, dubiously:

"Well, that's all right, Larry--I meant it's jolly sad, and awfully
good poetry, I'm sure--but how on earth are you going to work a show
out of it? I can't see--"

"Unless," interrupted Judith, thoughtfully, "unless we sort of acted
it--?"