19 AUGUST 1949, Page 14

'THE NEW SOLITUDE'

Happy the man whose country home With plumber's artifice abounds, Standing, with dignified aplomb, In its own grounds ; Whose grouse, and ghost in charnel gown Lure tenants from the U.S.A., Enabling him to live in town In his own way.

Enough that his ancestors stole The treasure of the monastery ; Their lack of faith bath made him whole. ... Financially.

Thus let him live, and let him roam From his ancestral mansion far ; Thus let him die, without a home . • But with a car.

MALCOLNI BAKER-SMITH.