29 APRIL 1966, Page 4

Ode to Mr John Bird on his Temporary Retirement from

the Television Screen

Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird.

No angry protestations get thee down.

The voice we heard at half-past ten was heard Some weeks ago, I think, as Mr Brown. Perhaps the self-same voice that, pipe in teeth, Was Wilson, then Prime Minister of God, Sad statesman searching for an alien vote; The same that oft as Heath

Armed tragic blueprints, opening on the nod, For credulous clots, in words too trite to quote.

CHRISTOPHER HOLLIS CHRISTOPHER HOLLIS