10 JANUARY 1943, Page 11

GRAY'S PROPHECY

Snt,—With reference to your search of Gray's poems for the quotation in Mr. Perkins' peroration, I have the quotation amongst odds and ends with this note: " Translated from Gray's Luna Habitabilis," Cambridge, 5737." But I do not know the name of the translator. The version I have has several variations in the latter part: " Stare at the flying fleets of wond'rous birds. England, so long the mistress of the sea, Where winds and waves confess her sovereignty, Her ancient triumphs yet on high shall bear, And reign, the sovereign of the conquered air."

—Yours faithfully, EDGAR A. PRESTON.

Anlok, Sutherland Drive, Newcastle, Staffs.