Villon in English

The Poems of Francois Villon. Translated by Lewis Wharton. (Dent. 6s. net.)
Reviewed by EGERTON CLARKE There are many who have attempted the almost impossible task of translating Villon's poems into a happy, satisfactory English which conveys at least something of the verve and mastery of the originals. No-one has succeded Mr. Wharton has failed. But he has failed splendidly. At least, he has avoided most of the pitfalls of archaisms and suburban " anglicisms' in which others have floundered. One recognises at once that his ear is attuned to the song of Villon and that he knows Villon, a poet who, for all his disreputability, was ever, in his heart of hearts, a genuine Christian, the mouthpiece of the underworld of the " Ages of Faith," and one of the greatest poets ever born in France.
Mr. Wharton has given us some admirable English verse which is pleasant to read even when the authentic music ot Villon's original ballades is echoing but faintly in the background. But the best thing in the book is D. B Wyndham