22 FEBRUARY 1946, Page 12

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Hear the challenge ring From March to Spring - " You dare not wake my closely-guarded bride Who by my side Sleeps in her frosted veil, Whose cheek is pale And cold as this soft-textured shroud of snow I wove to show Death could not touch her beauty nor my pride! "

And feel the answer run In the warm sun

That brushes over every living thing—

Triumphant Spring Mocks the dark threat of death With quickened breath, And wakes the Sleeping Beauty of the earth, Watches her fold Her thinning shroud and flash her ring of gold!

PHOEBE HESICEIH.