6 OCTOBER 1928, Page 23

Love and Friendship

WE call it " friendship," you and I, And that is just as well :

But there's a bit of Heaven astir— And a little, too, of Hell.

If you were to say " I love you," And I to answer the same :— Could we play as skilfully, I wonder, At that other sort of game ?

Would you know how to sound the deeper notes And touch new chords awake ?

And what would be left of faith for you When the first illusions break ? Could I, in my turn, keep the rules, And cling to my topmost heights ? How well, when the heart is laid bare at last, Should I weather the days and nights ?

There's a great high mountain between us, still, And these thoughts we are thinking now ; While the far side calls us, yet threatens too— Just over the mountain's brow.

Only a word to whisper ;

A look, one move of the head : And two lose the art of friendship That hangs by a silken thread.

Would life grow richer for saying that word ?-