18 OCTOBER 1930, Page 45

Some Books of the Week How is one to praise

a book of verse nowadays without raising the suspicion in the reader's mind that here is another mechanical swan ? Methucns have published a collection of lyrics entitled Countnj Bumpkins, at 5s., by Doremy 011and. She is a newcomer, but it is clear' that she is no novice in the art of verse. Her work is limpid, fresh, and as original as brook-water. That is to say, it has a universal familiarity, which one welcomes with delight as something quite new. The imagery in her poems is simple and direct, and besetting poeticisms arc avoided.. We find lines that sink deep into the memory : such as " Summer is sad with promises fulfilled." She has gaiety of mind, that sincere joy in life which to the onlooker is one of the most poignant qualities in the tragic tale of man's life on earth. She implores Spring " to take his time," and not, " to hurry over varnishing the buttercups, or washing the sticky lingers of the trees." To give an idea of this poet's singular quality, we cannot do better than to quote The Adventuress :- " A little soft blue summer day

Slipped through a fierce dark throng Of wintry ones, who waited for Their turn to march along. She was so bravo and lovely They could not say her nay ; And countless souls rejoiced before The wind whisked her away."