19 MARCH 1904, Page 18

POETRY.

SHAKESPEARE AND BACON.

SAID Hood : "I know, if I'd a mind, I could like Shakespeare write,

And soon could prove to all mankind How well I can indite ; And yet," remarked this genial man, "A little hitch I find That somewhat mars my simple plan

I haven't got the mind !"

So Bacon might have borne his part And said : "For sake of praise, I well could find it in my heart To write all Shakespeare's plays ; But ah ! I feel a touch of fear That somewhat makes me start ; I have the mind, serene and clear,

WALTER W. SKEAT.