CURRENT LITERATURE.
ODES AND OTHER POEMS.
Odes and other Poems. By R. C. K. Ensor. (Sidgwick and Jackson. Is. net.)—Mr. Ensor has great technical accomplishment and the something more that modern poets so often lock—a definite message to deliver. His "Ode on the State of Europe before the War," composed at the New Year of 1012, and his " Ode on the European War," composed after a visit to the Somme front, are memorable poems that suggest grave thoughts on large issues. The " Ode " of 1912 he the grim prophetic close, after a reference to Seneca, whose few worthy followers " stayed A century long the slipping world, and made The Antonin effulgence possible, Before the darkness fell " :- " To day if we will hear the Voice, if we Have yet the steady eyes, the lion hearts, To stand and play our parts Not needing victory, Duty shall save us : not the broken spar Of storm-tossed hope, nor blind self-flattery Making believe things are not what they are. Nature and her commandments do not cease; And those who disobey She tramples into clay, And those who toil with her alone may share her peace." But the " Ode " of 1916 breathes hope again. " Peace will not come from pacifists . . . but from these, to whom fraternity Meant doing and not phrases." Of Mr. Ensor's lighter verses, his "Storm over Camedd Dafydd," in varying metres, and "At Nightfall : Words for a Cadence of Chopin" are especially skilful and pleasing.
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