29 SEPTEMBER 1950, Page 7

Time's Telescope

MEETING this day a thousand years compressed Is not a mean adventure. Ministers

And kings, in full authority still dressed, Might share this vision of the universe And thereby add humility to strength.

No day or night that drags its chain of hours Link after link along their normal length, Can stir the poet's and the statesman's powers To ripeness and achievement, till they see This revelation in the speed of time.

Thus, century by century, God in His day looks down with eye sublime. Sad history, in this diminished size, May show more hope than mankind dare surmise.

RICHARD CHURCH.