15 FEBRUARY 1952, Page 10

Dresden Amen

" Amen " at our Evensong's end. They are sending it soaring Those trebles unruffled and competent, sure of their key. But say, is it answered in glory by angels adoring

The Lamb that was slain for the sinners, for you and for me ?

Is it gone ? Is it spilt upon space as the last echoes fail ? Boy, next in the pew to me, answer ! For surely you know, For surely there touched you and set you aglow One ray of that splendour when Parsifal lifted the 'Grail.

STACY COLMAN