2 JANUARY 1948, Page 17

LARGE-LIPPED, shock-haired, Neanderthal of brow, His face yet wore the

far ethereal look That comes and goes in animal eyes. He took The vast East Anglian heavens, which overbow The earthiest earth which ever dwarfed a plough, By native kingship as his open book.

Lucid for hint a Mousehold oakery shook Her sibylline leaves in everlasting Now.

Past dolmen, gargoyle, Georgian chariot-roll, Down neolithic alleys he pursued Through Norwich nights his dream, shy as a mole.

And few the beaux who guessed the stocky-Chewed And shambling oaf was carrying in his soul The timeless light on Earth's vicissitude.

GEOFFREY JOHNSON.