7 JUNE 1968, Page 5

Big Ben,little Benn

CHRISTOPHER HOLLIS

The pen is mightier than the sword, • Less mighty than the pendulum; Big Ben's unresting strokes record Space-time as a continuum.

To little Benn past time's a bore, Democracy's fair name is mud; Unless we use computers more He sees the streets awash with blood.

The passing moment's all the rage, The game's the thing and up to date, And almost all the world's a stage And everyone must integrate.

The time is short, says little Benn, Winged chariots are at the door; Unmoved Big Ben ticks on, but then Perhaps he's heard it all before.