THE LAND
When Julius Fabricius, Sub-Prefect of the Weald,
In the days of Diocletian owned our Lower River-field,
He called to him Hobdenius—a Briton of the Clay,
Saying: 'What about that River-piece for layin' in to hay?'
And the aged Hobden answered: 'I remember as a lad
My father told your father that she wanted dreenin' bad.
An' the more that you neeglect her the less you'll get her clean.
Have it jest as you've a mind to, but, if I was you, I'd dreen.'
So they drained it long and crossways in the lavish Roman style.
Still we find among the river-drift their flakes of ancient tile,
63
