21 JUNE 1946, Page 12

URANIA AND URANIUM

" The electrifying announcement that Uranium, used in making atomic bombs, can be `de-natured,' so that it becomes in effect non- explosive, has ranked with many as second only to the bomb itself." —Sunday Times, March 31st.

Bright astral Muse, Urania! Thy dread Sire Charged thine attendant orbs with lethal fire. Consent to its ' de-naturing.' Turn to use Those shattering rays, now threatening to let loose Red ruin on us. Spare us, Child of Zeus! And myriad votaries to thy shrine shall come, For the tamed fury of Uranium.

Grant this, our prayer, or ever-during shame Shall cling, Urania, to thy classic name.

THOMAS THORNELY.