12 FEBRUARY 1916, Page 13

POETRY.

V. D. F.

(Ave atque vale.) You from Givenchy, since no years can harden The beautiful dead, when holy twilight reaches The sleeping cedar and the copper beeches, Return to walk again in Wadham Garden.

We, growing old, grow stranger to the College, Symbol of youth, where we were young together, But you, beyond the reach of time and weather, Of youth in death for ever keep the knowledge.

Wo hoard our youth, we hoard our youth, and fear it, But yo', who freely gave what wo have hoarded, Are with the final goal of youth rewarded

The road to travel and the traveller's spirit.

And therefore, when for us the stars go down, Your star is steady over Oxford Town. HUMBERT.