[Correspondence in _The Times_ has recalled the fact that Kilimanjaro,
from whose neighbourhood the enemy has just been expelled, was included
in German East Africa at the special desire of the KAISER (then PRINCE
WILLIAM OF PRUSSIA). It appears that he took a peculiar interest in the
fauna and flora of that district. Incidentally, the highest peak of
Kilimanjaro (19,000 feet) is named Kaiser Wilhelm Spitze. The author of
these lines does not claim a close acquaintance with the natural history
and botany of this region, and cannot therefore vouch for the accuracy
of his details.]
O mountain of the sounding name,
Kilimanjaro!
Almost as loud as my own fame,
Kilimanjaro!
Plucked from my Empire's jewelled hem
I deemed you once the fairest gem
In my Colonial diadem,
Kilimanjaro!
Not for your height, though you are high,
Kilimanjaro!
And practically scrape the sky,
Kilimanjaro!
But for the beasts and birds and flowers
That nestle in your snowy bowers
I loved you best of all my dowers,
Kilimanjaro!
In one of my Imperial jaunts,
Kilimanjaro!
I looked to penetrate their haunts,
Kilimanjaro!
It was among my dearest hopes
To slay canaries on your slopes
Or trap elusive antelopes,
Kilimanjaro!
I had a passionate wish to snare
(Kilimanjaro!)
Your local beetle in his lair,
Kilimanjaro!
O'er precipices stiff with ice
(Perils for me are full of spice)
To cull your starry edelweiss,
Kilimanjaro!
Alas! the lovely vision fades,
Kilimanjaro!
Never amid your musky glades,
Kilimanjaro--
Never shall I (_Gott strafe_ SMUTS!)
Surprise your monkeys gathering nuts
Or chase your wombats' flying scuts,
Kilimanjaro!
And when, as I suppose it must,
Kilimanjaro!
My spirit sheds its mortal crust,
Kilimanjaro!
They'll find beneath my mailéd vest
Your name indelibly impressed
(Along with Calais) on my chest,
Kilimanjaro!