1

Our England is a Garden

By Rudyard Kipling

There is plenty of work in the garden of England for everyone, whether they have a green thumb or not.

2

A Hymn to God the Father

By John Donne

During a severe sickness, John Donne, Dean of St Paul’s, asked of God three boons.

3

Drake’s Drum

By Sir Henry Newbolt

In time of crisis, so the legend goes, Sir Francis Drake will come to our aid again, as once he did against the Spanish Armada.

4

What’s in a Name?

By William Shakespeare

Juliet complains that the man she loves has the wrong name, and the man she loves hears her doing it.

5

The Beggar’s Petition

By Thomas Moss

A destitute and friendless farmer, turned from the tradesman’s entrance, tries his luck at the front door.

6

The Hare and Many Friends

By John Gay

John Gay reflects that in matters of friendship, quality is preferable to quantity.