English music in an English Landscape 2*

Once again, fortified by tea and cake 

at the Abbey Tea rooms,

where you help yourself then do the adding up 

for the trusting volunteer ladies,

  

we set off for our walk to the Wittenham Clumps,

this time intentionally and in fine weather.

The Poem Tree 

As up on the hill with labr'ing steps we tread,

Where the twin Clumps their sheltering branches spread

The summit gain'd at ease reclining lay

And all around the widespread scene survey

Point out each object and instructive tell

The various changes that the land befel.

Where the low bank the country wide surrounds

That ancient earthwork form'd old Murcias bounds.

In misty distance see the barrow heave

There lies forgotten lonely Culchems grave.

Around this hill the ruthless Danes intrenched

And these fair plains with gory slaughter drench'd

While at our feet where stands that stately tower

In days gone by uprose the Roman power

And yonder, there where Thames smooth waters glide

In later days appeared monastic pride.

Within that field where lies the grazing herd

Huge walls were found, some coffins disinter'd

Such is the course of time, the wreck which fate

And awful doom award the earthly great.

Engraved on a nearby beech tree by Joseph Tubb 1844-5

Then, to hear the City of London choir at Dorchester Abbey

singing a programme of Vaughan Williams, 

Holst, Gardner and Howells.

* The most viewed page on this blog.