12 MAY 1928, Page 19

A Philosophy of Life

Acaoss his little lease of earth Man like a giant strides : Tremendous schemes oppress his brain Like unreposing tides.

Missing the substance, grasping straws, And tricked with glittering shapes- . Then 'mid the ruins of his toys Ruined he wakes, and gapes. Scarce in a thousand years of woe One lesson plain is conned : So sterner looms the steep ascent Up through the vast Beyond.

Art ill at ease ? Then hush thy plaints, Lest harsher fate o'ertake them. Suffer the yoke, or quit the ranks : Or brook the laws, or make them !

JOHN COOK.