12 NOVEMBER 1954, Page 20

Keats in 1819

He does not yet conclude the psychic commerce: The muscled mirror emptying the lyric Or corporeal roses turned hysteric: Does not accept oblivion's lavish promise.

His body struck beneath concentric blows, His love become a huge infernal fire, With what strength does he call the mirror `liar'? With whose endurance crush the tempting rose?

Dominion now they offer him to keep Or sensual gardens, every summum bonum. Yet—as such weakness never could expect- 0 look, where in extremes for lack of sleep The tough and bitter pride-of-intellect Defends itself with vigour and with venom.

ROBERT CONQUE