Page:Marlborough and other poems, Sorley, 1919.djvu/149

 first draft of the poem was sent to a friend soon afterwards with the words, "Enclosed the poem which eventually came out of the first day of term at Paddington. Not much trace of the origin left; but I think it should get a prize for being the first poem written since August 4th that isn't patriotic." The draft differs in one place from the final form of the poem, and, instead of the present title, it is preceded by the verse, "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise."

P. 68 (XXIX). Printed, after the author's death, in The Times Literary Supplement, 28 October 1915.

P. 71 (XXX). There is external evidence, though it is not quite conclusive, for dating this poem in August 1914.

P. 73 (XXXI). There is the same evidence for dating this poem also in August 1914.

P. 76 (XXXIII). A copy of the former of these two sonnets was sent to a friend with the title "Death—and the Downs." The title in the book is taken from the copy sent home by the author.

P. 78 (XXXIV). This sonnet was found in the author's kit sent home from France after his death.

P. 79 (XXXV). This poem was sent to a friend in July 1915. It appeared for the first time in the second edition.

P. 81 (XXXVI). The epistle in verse (fragments of which have been communicated to the editor and are printed here) was sent anonymously to J. B. (see note to VII). He discovered the authorship by sending the envelope of the letter to a Marlborough master, and replied in the beautiful verses which the editor is allowed to quote:

From far away there comes a Voice,

Singing its song across the sea—

A song to make man's heart rejoice—

Of Marlborough and the Odyssey.

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