The Henson Journals

[26]

Thursday, November 11th, 1920.

The "City of Hereford" Free Church Council sends me a formal address of Farewell. It has a certain measure of exceptional interest as referring to the Lambeth Conference, and to Ella's eloquence:

"The Council believes that your influence was felt in the Lambeth resolutions desiring the closer unity of the churches &c. The Council also desires to say the influence of Mrs Hensley Henson & particularly her admirable addresses were appreciated by every lover of what is good."

I have not hitherto realized the oratorical gifts of my wife, but then I have never heard her speak in public.

We went to Durham, and lunched with Mrs Quirk. Then followed an imposing function. I blessed the colours of the Durham Light Infantry in Palace Green. Lord Durham made an excellent speech to the troups. We all then proceeded to the Cathedral, where the colours were presented to the Dean, & placed on the Altar. After a brief oration from the Dean, the Band played the National Anthem, & I gave the Blessing from my Throne. We had tea with Mrs Shafto, & then I walked with Cruickshank. I dined at the Castle to meet the Judge of Assize (Rigby Swift). It was pleasant company on the whole. I stayed for the night with Ellershaw in order not to compete with the Judge for my rooms!

[27]

The judge told me that the initials "C. J. D." appended to the little poem "At the Abbey Gate" are those of Mr Justice Darling. It runs thus:–

Stay – Who goes there?

A friend –

What friend – Whence came you?

From a dark cave beneath a ruined street.

Oh friend, where fare you:

Why would'st thou pass further?

To lay my heart down at our Mother's feet.

Whom call you Mother?

England – Nelson's: thine:

Her whom we proudly serve, in life, in death –

Her do I guard, friend –

Can'st thou also serve her?

Aye, when they fail her who do yet draw breath.

Who art thou, friend, then?

I was – and am No One –

No name is ours – An unknown host are we.

Pass on, brave spirit.

Oh, 'tis Christ that passes.

In thee, poor soldier, who didst die for me.

C. J. D.

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