12 MARCH 1921, Page 15

POETRY.

DARK NIGHT.

IT was in such a night,

Far, far from all These western vast-scooped hillsides where Silver waters fall, In such a night when birds

Into deep-leaved nests

Have fluttered, and last piping hush'd In sleepy breasts ;

It was in such a night—

But never again Could night such promise bear and end In such blind pain.

Birds in their bower, and beasts Each in his lair, Stars in the lone and solemn height Darkening the air ; Music and motion stayed, Stilled even the wind, But of all nights returning none Like that night of the mind. Jose FREEMAN.