Welsh Journals

character, or even, later, in changing the whole trend of a life. It might be said that he was paralysed into a pur- poseless existence by the over-concern for his health of those in authority over him. Frequent days at home, due to slight indisposition, often fanciful, or else due to inclement weather frequent excuses for home work not done; all these, and the continual reiteration to the boy that he was not to do things like other children, as he had not sufficient strength, contributed to that lack of consistent effort which was so noticeable in him. After school he remained at home for some years doing practically nothing except take those long lonely walks in town and country of which he was so fond. Neigh- bours and friends, with quite commendable intentions, asked anxiously and earnestly concerning his future. His mother showed no concern, and I think loathed the idea of ever parting with him. The acceptance of responsi- bilities never troubled him. There were two clues to his personality which could, even then, have revealed to us some part of what he after- wards showed so clearly. One was his passion for history, and that of a certain order, the heroic and adventurous, the history of men who dared unknown perils and priva- tions to gain us our legacies. The other was his love of associating with those whom it is usual to consider undesir- able, the men and boys of a dare-devil, risk-all type. But all this escaped us at the time. It is a strange fact that there fastens to our minds some trivial incident which whenever, afterwards, we think of a person, we remember. Whenever I think of Dai, I remember his habit and love of writing his name in any odd book or on any stray pieces of cardboard or cards, apparently with no object of claiming ownership, but from some childish whim or fancy. That is how I remember and like to think of him writing his name. How deeply and indelibly he wrote it on our hearts His affection and care for his mother was, perhaps, the most touching element in his character. The under- standing between them was perfect. She lived and moved and had her whole being in him and she was his one thought-his sweetheart he liked to call her. He was always a child to her, simple, faithful, loyal and generous. And now I think of those words of Browning's and how true they are :­ Be sure that God Ne'er dooms to waste the strength He deigns impart. He was awakened, as it were, from sleep by the call of duty, and he determinedly, if not willingly, responded. Then we saw him in his true light, as he was born to be. The change-or rather the apparent change-in him was In our Apnl number we shall publish an article, Nationality and Home Rule," by Mr. J. Arthur Price, M.A., London,-a reply to the article on the subject by Mr. Watkin Davies, B.A. Barmouth, which appeared in the January number of the Welsh Outlook- wonderful, but it had all lain dormant, unrealised and undreamed of, except by his mother. Then was revealed the mighty paradox-his life. He seemed to have attained without aspiring. Then was made clear the tremendous contrast between his apparent weakness and the revealed strength. When he eventually arrived in the trenches, he had become conscious of a definite object in his life-to use all his experiences, the bitterness and hardship, as well as the joy and sweetness, for the good of his fellows. He showed how firm a hold he had upon spiritual realities, and if the road along which he had set out led him to the acceptance of priesthood, he was prepared, nay anxious, to do so. His faith, permeating his letters through and through, was contagious, and I had come to think that with the development of his high ideals and intentions of doing good, God would so preserve him. He who had been thought to be so sickly, weak, and of not much avail, proved to be strong, helpful, firm. The real strength in him became manifest and obvious when the crisis came a strength sufficient not for himself alone but also to be shared with others. He who was so weak had enough weakness to help the strong. Cheerful and courageous was the testimony of all who came in contact with him. He served a great purpose and helped many. With a delicate frame he endured the hardships of a winter cam- paign, went through all the Somme fighting, was at Messines, and lastly at Ypres where he laid down his life. Never complaining but looking forward to reunion with his friends, and to a wide field open to him for service, he serves as an example to us to follow not less patiently and cheerfully the difficult road. And his mother ? A portion of the spirit of the son had fallen upon her. When a friend-a mother who had lost a son but who still had three sons in the trenches, called to express her sympathy, her answer was Your burden is heavier than mine, for to the longing and sorrow in your case is added anxiety concerning the fate of the others. But when I lost Davy, I lost my all, and for me there is only a great emptiness and lonesomeness which can never again be filled, but there is now no anxiety and suspense." This was a wonderful spirit and worthy of her great sacrifice and love. And now? 0 strong soul, by what shore Tarriest thou now ? For that force Surely has not been left vain Somewhere, surely, afar, In the sounding labour-house vast Of Being, is practised that strength Zealous, Beneficent, firm. T.M.D. Miss Dorothy Grenside, who is to deliver a course of Theosophical Lectures at Cardiff-see our advertising columns— recently addressed crowded audiences at the Small Queen's Hall, London, where a similar series was given