16 MAY 1969, Page 3

To Robert Mellish

CHRISTOPHER HOLLIS

Dear Bob, I read with joy and relish What critics say of Robert Mellish, How Harold's plan was to engage a Rough, tough, gauleiter sergeant-major, With heart of flint and hand of steel To bring the comrades back to heel And save at last the tenuous ship, Using a rudder as a whip.

Such tales appear, I must confess, To those who know you, more or less, About as wholly incorrect As one might reasonably expect.

Profiles are order of the day.

I'd rather be inclined to say :

`Here stands the man of gentlest manner Who ever waved a Labour banner.

Though cowards flinch and traitors fear, He'll keep the Red Flag dying there.'