1 JULY 1916, Page 23

POETRY.

PEACE TALK IN A HOSPITAL.

"SHOULD peace be sought ? " I asked, and with fine scorn

The mother said, "Two of my sons were slain On Loos's front, and this my youngest-born

Counts the slow months till he may fight again. Breathe not to me of peace : what peace so long As Belgium weeps and England's arm is strong ? "

And ere I passed they bared the face of one, Pale, with cold lips that neither spake nor stirred.

"Thy peace," methought, "is found with warfare done."

Then fell a spirit-whisper, faintly heard, " Yea, found, but ev'n my peace so whole and true Were broken should that baser peace ensue."

G. F. Sues,