12 FEBRUARY 1921, Page 15

P(YETRI.

A VILLANELLE OF LOVE. Ass not if Love no Passion knows, Since-ldssing thee, I did desire To hold thee like a flaming rose.

How should I-reason well when glows My memory of thee as a fire?

Ask not if Love HO passion knows.

What wouldst thou then? that Love should close His eager -wings that would come nigher To hold thee like a flaming rose?

When beauty from thy gaze yet flows Like wind across my heart, a lyre, Ask not if Love no passion knows.

That deep soft double flower that grows Upon thy breast doth Love inspire To hold thee like a flaming rose.

Is Love then less when Passion shows Him how most sweetly to desire?

Ask not if Love no passion knows To hold thee like a flaming rose!

R. L. MEGROZ.