5 MAY 1950, Page 15

On Seeing the Statue of St. Cecilia : Rome

Even in this marbled flesh you may surprise The music in her delicate fingers fine, Her delicate fingers that could notes combine To entice an angel with sweet harmonies.

Long since her breath was dealt to the wild skies ;

And see, her forehead, turned as to resign To the earth it leans on, earth its origin, Her bodily instrument. Piteous she lies.

Yet she lies trustfully. So have I seen In a summer field a foal resign to earth All power, all play, all his gay leaping ; And in an elm's shade on the daisied green, As when at first nerveless he dropped from birth, In deep repose, trustful, lie sleeping. ANNE TRENEER.