REPORT ON COMPETITION NO. 31 IT was suggested that if

Shakespeare had lived in the twentieth century he might have written an historical play about the reign of King George the Sixth, and the usual prizes were offered for the best extract from Act II, Sc. i, of such a play, the scene being Munich, A Council Chamber, and Chamberlain, Daladier, Mussolini and Hitler the characters on the stage. There was a relatively small entry for this com- petition, but the standard was high. Not unnaturally, most of the entries showed a strong family resemblance, for few competitors had the idea of tampering with history in the interests of drama. A few attempted to present Shakespeare with a twentieth-century style: this was not what was intended, and fortunately the extracts which showed him assuming the robes of Coward and Maugham were not con- vincing enough to create any difficulty in adjudication. The first prize goes to Mr. Allan M. Laing, and the second to Miss Ann Tirard, whose excellent entry we have unfortunately no space to print. Miss Joan M. Coldwell was runner-up.

First Prize.

Hit: Now sit we round this comfortable board, My lords, and with our minds at friendly ease, (They sit)

Conclude how we may hold the dogs of war In leash perpetual. The coldest heart Must shrink from blood's arbitrament; and we, To whose wise care full half the world to-day Looks for salvation, dare not light war's torch.

Sir Chamberlain, what say you: is it peace?

Cha: With all my heart. Three several times have I, Great Chancellor, with olive branch in mouth Flown hither like to Noah's dove, despite Th' impatient grumblings of our English folk. Let these my actions speak.

Dal: Great Fiihrer, I

In France's name, applaud Lord Neville's acts And do declare the argument of blood Foreign to both our natures. Yet we must Have surety for the Slovaks' lawful rights.

Hit: You have my word. Though, like some irritant Insectual, this rude and simple folk Burrow beneath our skin, yet shall we not Resent the sores, but full protection give To all their reasonable hopes.

Mus: Well said,

My lord, and like yourself. England and France Shouid now be well content. For Italy Seals, too, this pact, which all too gentle is To neighbours barbarous, who dare to doubt The great intention of a greater race.

Cha: Good Chancellor, the times demand that we Should know with nicety what your words imply. Do you agree that now, inviolate

And threatless of invasion and the hand Of war the Slovaks rest?

Hit: That have I said, Let but my fair demands be met.

Cha: And you Will nothing add to these, nor with a harsh And rude impatience force their laggard hand? Remember the hard terms you now put forth Do spell much increase on the mild demands At Godesberg and Berchtesgaden made, The which our strong persuasions- hardly could Thrust down the straining gullet of the Czech. You will keep faith?

'Twere insult you should doubt 1 But I am tolerant, being in the right.

Set down that Germany desires but peace With France and England, and to that great end Doth promise honest treatment, void of force, To all obedient Slovaks. Set that down, I say!

Cho: I will at once, with all dispatch. (Writes, then offers paper to Hitler, who signs.) Monsieur Daladier, your signature

To seal this precious peace which now we make.

Dal (aside): My heart misgives me, we'll regret this dee-P (Signs.)

Hit:

Mus: Nor shall the Duce lag behind, when peace On such fair terms may be so fairly won. (Signs) Cha: Now God be thanked that saves us from a crime And fair peace promises in this our time. (Waves paper triumphantly.)

Exeunt mines-

ALLAN M. LAING