They set forth that in the vault of the world's night a new star had appeared which men had not yet named, nor would be likely to name until the power of human speech should be considerably increased, and the verses dwelt upon the theme, turning it and revolving it in several ways, finally declaring that the far-darting sun must look out for his interests unless he meant to be outshone by the new star.

Translated into English there was nothing very remarkable about the performance though the original Greek ode was undoubtedly very good of its kind.

But Mrs.Goddard was determined to be pleased.
"I think it is charming," she said, when John had reached the end and paused for her criticism.
"The Greek is very much better," said John doubtfully.

"I cannot write English verses--they seem to me so much harder." "I daresay," said Mrs.Goddard.

"But did you really write that when--" she stopped not knowing exactly how to express herself.