14 JANUARY 1905, Page 16

From their dusk an orange glow shines forth Promise of

friendly fires, the close-drawn ring of chairs, And stories of old ghosts ; the musing cigarette, And the soft rippling of women's laughter: A small oasis, wherein haply one Out of the swing and roar of moving things May find some passing measure of content.

A late bird twitters in the trees, whose violet boughs Fret cobweb shapes across the west, where in a happy The day sinks back ; and as her slack band falls From their strained leash, the untamed winds Leap forth keen-fanged, in savage wanton joy, Chasing the creeping mists, and wakening Amongst the gables and the shuddering trees A goblin clamour. At their heels Night, in a mail of frost, and jewelled with stars, Rides splendid through the world.

F. O'NEILL GALLAGHER.