I knew who the author was, I was greatly taken with
this poem. I now see from _The Alleynian_ that it is the work of
an O.A., a chap whom I held in high regard, namely, Eric Clarke,
whom you cannot fail to remember as King Richard II in the
Founder's Day Play, 1913--his superb acting in that role was
greatly admired. It was he who was to a large extent responsible
for my undertaking the editorship of _The Alleynian_. He was my
immediate predecessor in the job.

The poem appeals powerfully to me. To use the words of a Canadian
poet, R. W. Service, "it hits me right." It has a swing about it,
it has ideas, it has atmosphere. Pervading it through and through
is the atmosphere of this Western Front. I have often told you
that I had yet to meet the man who could convey that atmosphere
in story, book or article. Clarke's poem (along with
Bairnsfather's pictures) is one of the very first pieces I have
read that really gets this atmosphere. The verse is not
particularly polished, but it has life and force. Its simplicity
adds to its effectiveness. Such an expression as "the sodden
khaki's stench" lives in the memory, for it appeals directly to
the soldier's recollection of his experiences--that odour the
infantryman must have noticed dozens of times in the wet dawn,
when he was waiting to go "over the top." Clarke has undoubtedly
made a name for himself by the poem. Decidedly he has lived up to
the high reputation he had at school. It looks as if he will make
a name in literature. [See p. 240, text and footnote].

These days I am tremendously busy and revelling in it, as the
work is so completely congenial. I am muddier and greasier than
at any other period of my existence, and gloriously happy withal.

A corporal in our Company lives in the Herne Hill district, and
in civil life was a tram conductor for the L.C.C. on the Norwood
section. He has been out here two years, and won the Military
Medal for gallantry on the Somme. Very interesting to meet one of
the "dim millions" from one's own neighbourhood in this fashion,
_n'est ce pas_?

In April Paul Jones, as a Tank Officer, took part in the battle of
Arras.

_April 24th, 1917._

I am splendidly well and enjoying life hugely. If my letters for
the past t