2 NOVEMBER 1934, Page 13

Old Age

Con guard me from those thoughts men think In the mind alone, He that sings a lasting song Thinks in a marrow bone ; From all that makes a wise old man That can be praised of all ;

0 what am I that I should not seem For the song's sake a fool.

I pray—for fashion's word is out And prayer comes round again—

That I may seem though I die old

A foolish, passionate man.

W. B. YEATS.