10 MARCH 1944, Page 11

'TIS BETTER NOT

IF song is only soul-less sound

'Tis better not to sing ; If bells are only tuneless clang 'Tis better not to ring ; If dreams are only gloomy fears 'Tis better not to sleep ; If tears are only vain regrets 'Tis better not to weep ; If roaming's only restlessness 'Tis better not to rove ; If love is only vain desire 'Ti, better not to love ; If giving's only to receive 'Tis better not to give ;

If all life's for is making war

'Ti, better not to live. PHILIPPA TAYLOR.