THOMAS Hardy's lines were written in the midst of the First World War, but after this week's political excitements and the weekend's celebrations of the seventieth anniversary of VE Day, they serve perhaps as a reminder of the most basic human themes.

IN TIME OF 'THE BREAKING OF NATIONS'

I

Only a man harrowing clods

In a slow silent walk

With an old horse that stumbles and nods

Half asleep as they stalk.

II

Only thin smoke without flame

From the heaps of couch-grass;

Yet this will go onwards the same

Though Dynasties pass.

III

Yonder a maid and her wight

Come whispering by:

War's annals will cloud into night

Ere their story die.