“ENGLAND’S SHYEST POET”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21982, 17 June 1933, Page 4

“ENGLAND’S SHYEST POET”

Mr Laurence Binyon is surely England’s sbvest poet (writes Prank Walton in the Daily Mail). He is skilled in cadences that linger in the memory. He is an artist in the music of words. On the telephone ho seeks a secure retreat behind a monument of monosyllables. Last night it became known Hint Dir Binyon, keeper of the Department ot Prints and Drawings at the British Museum, with which he has been associated for 40 years, had accepted the Charles Eliot Norton professorship of poetry at Harvard University—an appointment for one year in succession to Mr T. S. Eliot. _ , , . I telephoned Mr Binyon to ask him whether’ it were true. “ Yes,” replied Mr Binyon. “You will be leaving England shortly? I suggested. “No,” replied Mr Binyon. 4 ‘ But it will be correct to assume that you will go to Harvard? ” I ventured. “Yes,” replied Mr Binyon. "When —er—do—you—? ” “Autumn,” replied Mr Binyon. “Have you any particular ideas you propose to put forward in your lectures?' I asked. “None,” replied Mr Binyon. “American poetry differs somewhat from our English idea,” I tried. “Yes,” replied Mr Binyon.

“A theme which. may possibly provide you with the basis of, many lectures? I continued with gentle determination. “No,” replied Mr Biuyon. “Then possibly you may lecture oner— ”' “Art,” Mr Biuyon relented. “ During the academic year,” I began with renewed hope, “ you will give so many lectures that —er — ” “ Only six,” replied .Mr Biuyon. “And, to the uninitiated, that may seem a fairly easy task? ” I stumbled on. _ “Yes,” I heard the non-committal voice of Mr Biuyon.