14 JULY 1923, Page 21

The London Mercury.

Dr. Bridges's Sonnet to Francis Jammes is light-hearted and deft-handed ; but the most interesting verses in the July number are in Mr. Frank Kendon's poem to a child. Perhaps the poem suffers from being so obviously founded on a good knowledge of psychological theory ; but Mr. Kendon certainly puts his knowledge to good use. Among the articles are two pieces of sound criticism—one on Coventry Patmore, by Mr. Osbert Burnett, the other on Edmund Gosse, by Mr. John Freeman. The delightful smoothness and brilliance of Mr. Freeman's prose have not been sufficiently recognized. Mr. Jeffry Mark's article on Ballad Opera is informative ; but he wastes a good opportunity for anecdote and quotation when he so quickly dismisses Hurlothrumbo.