24 DECEMBER 1921, Page 15

POETRY.

TO FELICE.

NOTHING in love, not given, can be taken,

Or, taken, is still less than nothing made ; And so much is love's credit therein shaken, That offers false are by false offers paid.

Submission forced doth straight a tyrant brood, And tyrants in their veriest courtesies Are guilty of assault ; so idle greed Becomes the sum and all of lovers' plow,.

If love is greed, what dire an appetite Drew earth from fire chaotic, trees from earth, From trees the woodnymph, and ordained that light With flesh composed gave our first parents birth T Desire then is but froth of mortal sense,

And lave a prettier name for violence.

ROY MELDRIIII.