24 JANUARY 1987, Page 32

I Love the Laurel Green

(after Etienne Jodelle) I love the laurel green, whose verdant flame Burns its bright victory on the winter day, Calls to eternity its happy name And neither death nor time shall wear away.

I love the holly tree with branches keen, Each leaflet fringed with daggers sharp and small.

I love the ivy, too, winding its green, Its ardent stem about the oak, the wall.

I love these three, whose living green and true Is as unfailing as my love for you Always by night and day whom I adore.

Yet the green wound that stays within me more Is ever greener than these three shall be: Laurel and ivy and the holly tree.

Charles CausleY