3 JANUARY 1891, Page 33

Creation's Hope. By Marcus S. C. Rickards, M.A. (J. Baker

and Son.)—This is an elaborate argument in verse between a sceptic and a believer. It is unequal; arguing in verse tasks powers of expression to the utmost; but there are fine passages in the poem ; and the argument on both sides is conducted with considerable ability. The sceptic, for instance, argues that the instinct of immortality is only a device of Nature :— "That man should be his best her scheme requires; Could she contrive it in a safer way

Than by this sport with his supreme desires?"

But it is only a device, he goes on :—

" Tis of a piece with her illusive show,

Her matin fraud, her vernal treachery, The tempest that belies dawn's rosy glow, Or elands the glitter of Om midnight sky ; The sudden shifting of the balmy breeze, The snow that muffles the first violets pride, The °harm that marks the growth of foul disease : Mark them and say, Is Hope a trusty guide? "

Here is a happy fancy, where the writer is urging the argument that the "mad strife for Beauty, Joy, and Truth, Bespeaks attain- ment somewhere : "—

"Joy—what is she ? A wayward sylph that hides Behind her flowery lattice while she hears Our serenade. Al; wanton one, she bides, A listener long, then peeps and disappears Tor such brief glimpses thro' a dusky pane We spend our music: all this livelong night, And deem our cost well sacrifioed to gain Dim furtive glances from her visage bright."

But the expression is not adequate. Such phrases as "visage bright" are too common.