16 APRIL 1927, Page 13

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

81119—To the extremists at both ends who say " I'm not arguing, with thee, I'm telling thee " or in the phrase " Seems, Madam ! nay, it is : I know not seems," I would

suggest, if they have any sense of humour, as seasonable penance, Herrick's poem, " To keep a true Lent."

.1‘ Is this a Fast., to keep

The Larder leane ?

And clean From fat of Veales and Sheep ?

Is it to quit the dish Of Flesh, yet still To fill The platter high with Fish ?

It is to fast from strife, From old debate, And hate; To circumciss thy life."

GiggialtiCk-i/e-CraLT/I.