3 JANUARY 1931, Page 23

Serenade

[From the French of Paul Verlaine.]

THE shepherd's star burns dim, Sinks in the night.

The pilot fumbles for his light.

Now is the time for him, Dark skies above, Whose hand seeks out for love.

Sir Atys- tunes his strings, His eyes to Chloris speak Of favours he would seek.

The Abbe now to Egle brings An absolution, all in vain.

The viscount gives his hasty heart the rein.

While the sad moon is up, and streams Down on the boat which glides and gleams