POETRY. Interludes and Undertones. By Charles Mackay. (Chatto and Windus.)—Dr.
Mackay has a well.earned place among the poets; minores of this generation, or perhaps we should rather say, of the generation that is passing away. We cannot honestly say that there is anything in this volume which will raise it higher. He has given us his hest before, and the gleanings are naturally not the finest specimens of the harvest. For the most part, these occasional verses—and there is nothing that seems to us to claim to be anything more—want both spirit and finish. Even in the one which we now quote, having honestly sought out the best to show our readers, there are blemishes :— "Goa GIVETE HIS BELOVED SLEEP.
" I strive with aching heart and head,
All the long day and half the night, For paltry recompense of bread, And win it in the world's despite; It gives me life, and little more ; Yet why complain ? One blessing cheap
Is snperadded to my store—
God giveth His beloved sleep.
"And am I one of these ? Why not ? Onr pains and pleasures intertwine— After the fight that must be fought There comes a truce with peace divine.
'Tis wise to struggle and endure; After all sorrow great and deep, The recompense is sweet and snre- God giveth His beloved sleep."
Previous page
