5 JANUARY 1918, Page 22

POETRY.

THE STRANGER.

(1918.) Is shadowy council, see, they sit, The old, old Years that once drew breath, The Years of Pericles and Pitt; Of Pharaoh and Elizabeth, Of Cromwell, Charlemagne, De Witt, And many a Caesar done to death, The Lords of Babylon and Beth, Plantagenets and all who lit In holy or unholy Writ The torch that flames and perisheth.

A Stranger steps towards the throng, Unknown, unnamed, and unakin.

Humble their haughty signs among, Wise as the unwise Seraphin; A weakling, yet past measure strong, A pilgrim, yet a paladin, Powered with the spirit-will to win.

Disowning centuries along,

He moves 'mid agony and song.—

Ye solemn belfries, ring him in. WALTER S. Swan.