2 SEPTEMBER 1960, Page 20

Two Rhymes About Fate and Money

'Neighbour, neighbour, don't forget: Thirty shillings due tomorrow!' Fate and Mammon rule us yet, In the midst of life we are in debt, Here to pay and gone to borrow.

How and why Poets die, That's a dismal tale: Some take a spill On Guinea Hill, Some drown in ale, Some get lost At sea, or crossed In love with cruel witches, But some attain Long life and reign Like Popes among their riches.

ROBERT GRAVE5 © 1960