s are not without their own particular glory. Rome
must have been very wonderful during the last week of Sulla's
consulship. And in the passing of Meredith there was something
essentially splendid; for it happens so seldom in life that the
culminating point of our success coincides with the finish of anything.
We are continually being mocked by the horror of the second best. We do
not know where to stop; we cling too long to our laurels; and when the
end finally comes they have begun to wither. Death is an anti-climax.
The heart that once loved, and was as grass before the winds of passion,
has grown cold amid a world of commonplace. But at school there is no
dragging out of triumphs. All too soon the six short years fly past, and
we stand on the threshold of life in the very flush of our pride. "Just
once in a while we may finish in style." It is not often; the roses
fade.

The final of the Senior House matches was drawing to a close on the last
Friday of the term. Buller's were beating the School House L-Z easily.
There had never been any doubt about the result. L-Z was entirely a
one-man side, that Meredith had managed to carry it on his shoulders
through the two first rounds.

The House had only two wickets in hand, and still wanted over eighty
runs to avoid an innings' defeat. But Meredith was still in. It had been
a great innings. He had gone in first with Mansell, and watched wicket
after wicket fall, while he had gone on playing the same brilliant game.
Every stroke was the signal of a roar from the pavilion. The whole House
was looking on. It was a fitting end to a dazzling career. It was like
his life, reckless and magnificent. At last he mis-hit a half-volley and
was caught in the deep for seventy-two.

As he left the wicket the whole House surged forward in front of the
pavilion, and formed up in two lines, leaving a gangway. Amid tremendous
applause Meredith ran between them. The cheering was deafening.

After prayers that night the Chief said a few words about the match.

"I am sorry we did not win; but, then, I don't think many of us dared to
hope for that. At any rate, we were not disgraced, and I wish to take
the opportunity of congratulating Meredith, not only on his superb
innings this afternoon, but also on his keen and energetic captaincy
throughout the term."

This was the signal for another demonstration. Everyone beat with their
fists upon their table. It was a great scene.

The giants of