25 MARCH 1960, Page 30

Twice of the Same Fever

No one can die twice of the same fever?

Tell them it is untrue : Have we not died three deaths, and three again, You of Inc, I of you?

The chill, the frantic pulse, brows burning,

Lips broken by thirst—

Until, in darkness, a ghost grieves : 'It was I died the first.'

Worse than such death, even, is resurrection.

Do we dare laugh away ROBERT GRAVES ©1960