3 OCTOBER 1952, Page 16

De Senectute, Post-War Style

A chair-bound ancient, all the Ex- Ercise I get is writing cheques, And all the thought that fills my mind Is how to raise the wind (or wind), And what I want to raise it for Is nothing but to write some more; While death and debt and bankruptcy Race each other after me; I feel their hot breath on my neck— Oh well! Here goes! Another cheque!

And for his tolerance I thank The kindly manager of my bank, Whose way with my account and me Instinct is with those virtues three, Faith, and Hope, and Charity.

ARUNDELL ESDAILE.