POET AND POLITICAL LEADER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 87, 24 September 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

POET AND POLITICAL LEADER.

"Viva D'Annunzio!'' the people shouted in the Italian Chamber when, bv 407 votes to 74, the country decided for war, ;md they hoisted should;. l " high the greatest living poet of Italy, whose martial writings have so inspired his countrymen. It is sad of D'Annunzio that he has sung Italy into war. An old cavalry officer, the poet R**rv.? what soldiering means.

He ha 6 announced his intention, however, of enlisting in the navy, in order to be able to take part personally in the realization of his prophecy that the Adriatic will now once more become an Italian sea.

D'Aunnunzio is a fascinating and extraordinary personality. He is the Beau BrummelJ of Italy, his dress extravagances having at times been the talk of the world. His wardrobe is said to be more extensive and costly than that of any millionaire living. He has a new suit for every day in the year, the sartorial artists of Rome and Paris contributing to his wardrobe. No doubt there is much exaggeration in the stories of his extravagances, the fact remains that he has periodically set male fashions in Rome. The poet's idea of the value of money may be gathered From the fact that when he was offered £3,000 to give .i series of leetu.vs in South America he telegraphed as follows: "I was disposed to cross the At'antic; but not for a box of cigars. Thanks all the same." D'Annunzio has a wonderful capacity for work, and he attributes his remarkable powers to the fact that all his work is done at night. At eight o' clock in the evening, after a substantial meal, he sits down at his desk, an--, as a rule works steadily on until nine o'clock next morning. One of his eccentricities is to foilow the example of Mme. Bernhardt and have his own sepulchre built, requisitioning for the work the services of one of the most • famous Italian architects. .