THE OLD NEIGHBOUR AND THE NEW

‘ Twas to greet the new rector I called I here,

But in the arm-chair I see

My old friend, for long years installed here,

Who palely nods to me.

The new man explains what he's planning

In a smart and cheerful tone,

And I listen, the while that I'm scanning

The figure behind his own.

The newcomer urges things on me;

I return a vague smile thereto,

The olden face gazing upon me

Just as it used to do!

And on leaving I scarcely remember

Which neighbour to-day I have seen,

The one carried out in September,

Or him who but entered yestreen.