2 JANUARY 1959, Page 31

Superman on the Riviera

Looked tough, was tall and permanently bronzed (1 should guess Berkeley, do not quote me, though) Not an ounce above the statutory weight, Two hundred pounds, most of it bone and muscle; Blue-eyed, with jutting chin and jutting brows.

The nose, however, did not command the chin.

Myself, I would rather have no chin at all Than one that dared be wiser than its boss.

As for his mouth, a man-sized Cupid bow, Curved for kissing a diminutive mother And flashing teen-age smiles of high intent : Was that the cause, or was it one more symptom, Of his twin habits—equally repulsive

To us inveterate Western Europeans—

Downing a midday pint of raw cow's milk And treating France's noblest vintages

Like bath-tub gin whenever he got high?

ROBERT GRAVES