22 NOVEMBER 1940, Page 14

THE PASSIVE HANDS

FROM these now passive, quiet, corrected hands Flow massive rivers, roll the molten lands; There is so much pulsing universe released By this heart's abdication,

the annulment of this breast.

It was time, perhaps, one negligible sigh Refunded Nature ; such a splendour of sky, Such regal estate men steal, to build their strength.

The bent tree springs erect again; this body lies full length.

LILIAN BOWES LYON.