13 APRIL 1929, Page 19

Poetry

Before the Swallow

SHE was no child of mortal birth ; Far were her ways beyond the Earth. She came about the time of Spring And fell before the blossoming.

But, while she wore this robe of days, She was a light to make glen kind. Her smile was morning in her face Because her baby eyes were blind.

The frost of Death approached too near And touched her lily limbs in play. It seemed no cause for hateful fear, The earth so gently on her lay.

The Robin brought her seeds and fair . Narcissi,. for a vestal ring : He knew her home was never here ; She was a daughter of the Spring.

E. 0. Mr:Aso&