HILAIRE BELLOC: EN V 0 I
Printed below is a hitherto unpublished poem by Hilaire Belloc. Those of Belloc's friends to whom this poem is already known—some of them have had the privilege of hearing him recite it—acknowledge it as one of the most beautiful he ever wrote. It is followed by a Latin version by Mr. L. P. Wilkinson, of King's College, Cambridge, and "Sonnet to Hilaire Belloc" by H. S. Mackintosh.
FAREWELL to JULIET How shall I round the ending of a Story, Now the wind's falling and the Harbour nears ?
How shall I sign your tiny Book of Glory ? Juliet, my Juliet, after many, years.
I'll sign it, One that halted at a Vision : One whom the shaft of Beauty struck to Flame : One that so wavered in a strong Decision : One that was born perhaps to fix your name.
One that was pledged, and goes to his Replevening ; One that now leaves you with averted Face.
A Shadow passing through the Doors at Evening To his Companion and his Resting Place. • HILAIRE BELLOC.
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