16 FEBRUARY 1929, Page 21

Mr. Robert Burness, who wrote Perseus, a Classical Story (Mackie

and Son), had a true faculty for tact of phrasing and variety of cadence. His poem is clearly told. Narrative is always difficult to handle, especially when it is interrupted by lyrics ; but Mr. Burness's management is extremely skilful, Perseus is after the style of Tennyson ; but it is no

mere imitation. iathe poem of a scholar, with an excellent ear, and, what ia rarer in a scholarly poet, a true dramatic

vision. * * * *