[M]y literary life was rather topsy-turveyed by a couple of untoward accidents last year, and a prostrating attack of influenza, and bronchitis subsequently, for the cure of which I am indebted to the climate of Portugal, …

Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?

The stricken bell with clangour makes / The arches of a vault resound: / Each downcast monk in silence takes / His place a newmade grave around, / Each one his brother sadly eying.

The money separately pledged to the security forces must not become a bargaining chip — it was after Russia cut off such cash that the government in Kabul fell in 1992.