3 JANUARY 1920, Page 30

Thoughts in Middle Life. By Godfrey Locker Lampoon. (Arthur L.

Humphreys. 3s. 6d.)—There are some happy phrases and sound reflections in this little book. The paper beginning " Courage is the noblest of all the virtues " ought to be reprinted as a tract for the use of politicians. " To blame the politicians is to blame the people " contains a neglected truth. " Admit no confidants to the secret ambitions of your life," says the author. " If you want to be Prime Minister, keep it to yourself." The ultimate test of a "classic " is " its universal and permanent adaptability for quotation " ; and the perfect lyric and essay are the two forms of literary invention that are likely to survive longest. The fascination which a few epigrams from the Greek Anthology still exert upon men bears out this somewhat bold assertion.