3 OCTOBER 1925, Page 27

POETRY

VIPER'S BUGLOSS

IT seemed as though the steady fires Of beauty burned in rarest hue ; That loveliness was here most true Unto the spirit of the earth.

What miracle brought thus to birth These thousand circling stems of blue, Crowning the barren hill with worth Beyond the richest valley's due ?

Noon's heavy calm imparts no clue, Strange plenitude brings deeper dearth ; Silently flower the lambent spires Over the silent earth.

PEacv RIPLEY.