7 NOVEMBER 1903, Page 42

English Metrists. By T. S. Omond. Pelton, Tunbridge Wells. Is.

6d.)—Mr. Omond gives us in this volume a criticism and a bibliography of the attempts made to reproduce classical metres in English verse. Our own opinion leans, but with no very decided inclination, to this conclusion,—if such metres are to be used at all, let the rules of strict quantity be followed ; practically, however, they are best left alone; it is not likely that anything really good, anything better than a skilfully performed tour de force, will be attained. At the same time, we highly appre- ciate the industry and ingenuity which Mr. Omond brings to the treatment of his subject.