20 MARCH 1909, Page 17

MALHERBE'S POEM ON DEATH.

ere VIE EDITOR 01 SPNCTAT014" J SIR,—In the Spectator of January 30th I read what your

reviewer well called "noble lines on death" by Malherbe. I venture to send a translation of them :—

" Le pauvre on sa cabano, oh le chaume Is couvre, Est sujet h HOB 10iX

Et la garde qui voile aux barrieres du Louvre Wen defend point nos role. Do murmurer centre elle et perdre patience, II eat mal h propos; Vouloir co quo Dien veut eat la souls science Qui nous met en repos."

The poor man in his cottage, thatched with straw, Is subject to its law ; The sentries watching by the Louvre's gate Shield not our Kings from fate.

Impatiently to murmur and complain Is out of placo and vain ; To will what God wills is the only quest That leads us to His rest.

—I am, Sir, &c., Loughton Rectory, Bucks.

JOHN P. ATHAVVEFL