22 JUNE 1907, Page 19

POETRY.

A MATTER OF FACT. I HEARD the great frost catch the Lake; Its death-cry made my heart to quake ; Dull roar, shrill cry it raised again Like some sea-monster, mad with pain. I met a little Board-school Child; Her gaze was keen, not over-mild, Earth had for her no mysteries, There was no wonder in her eyes. Yet, for I thought that sound to hear Must fill her breast with wondering fear, I said, " My child, now tell to me, Why cries the Lake in agony ? " As one who knows all Science, she, The Board-school maiden, answered me, " Why, everybody understands

That cold contracts and heat expands!"

CECIL liad.DLAM.