The Book of Lies

scientific method and basis, of the spiritual facts of the Universe. “It is not easy to review Mr. Crowley. One of the most brilliant of contemporary writers... Mr. Crowley’s short poems in particular reveal the possession of a beautiful and genuine vein of poetry, which, like the precious metals, is at times scarcely discernible among the rugged quartz in which it is embedded. With the true poetic feeling allied to remarkable learning, and with a pretty wit of his own, Mr. Crowley is well equipped for producing a work of permanent value. . . . Good work may be found in ‘ The Sword of Song,’ but there is even more which will arouse in the average reader (to whom, however, Mr. Crowley obviously does not appeal) no other feeling than one of sheer bewilder- ment. Sometimes an oasis of beauty will reveal the author’s power to charm, the good-humoured egotism will tickle the fancy, the quaint allusive- ness of his notes will raise the eyelid of wonder.... With regard to the prose portions of the volume, the essay on ‘Science and Buddhism’ reveals some penetrating touches; but we have to confess that the discourse on ‘ Ontology’ baffles our comprehen- sion. The poetical epilogue is beautiful and con- tenting.” —Litevary Guide. **Mr. Crowley has always been, in my opinion, a good poet; his ‘Soul of Osiris,’ written during an Egyptian mood, was better poetry than his Browningesque rhapsody in a Buddhistic mood; but this also, though very affected, is very interest- ing. But the main fact about it is, that it is the expression of a man who has really found Buddhism more satisfactory than Christianity. “Mr. Crowley begins his poem, I believe, with an earnest intention to explain the beauty of the Buddhistic philosophy; he knows a great deal about it; he believes in it.... But Mr. Crowley has got something into his soul stronger even than the beautiful passion of the man who believes in Buddhism ; he has the passion of the man who does not believe in Christianity. He adds one more testimony to the endless series of testimonials to the fascination and vitality of the faith. For some mysterious reason no man can contrive to be 122