2686: Poem VIII

Clockwise round the grid from 1 run the final words (3,6,4,3,6,3,8,4,3,4,2,6) of a poem. Two unclued lights (one of two words) are also taken from the poem, whose author’s surname appears as a clued light which must be shaded.

Across

9 Canon meeting King and Queen? (5)

10    Harrow produces playboy (4)

11    One’s less than large feet (5)

12    Coarse note in Brief Encounter (7)

13    Florence’s good day in burn swimming with group of three ducks (4,6)

15    River Wye crossed by Nick (5)

18    Cicero’s forte: clear soup with melted cheese (8)

19    Bunk is eclipsing enormous beds (6)

21    Uproar as I start to sing (4)

24    Bone from Roman villa (5)

26    Small child’s ability when speaking (4)

28    We, the French, sniff with the nose (6)

29    Naughty pics of Miss Saigon possibly start appearing in the West (8)

34    Trick succeeded? Incredible! (5)

36    Poor Alicia Knight unruly youth slashed (10)

37    Divorcee playing lute with duke was very joyful (7)

38    Name of church next to twisted thorny tree (5)

39    Heroic songs edited by simpleton exuding whiskey (4)

40    Lustre of county close to famous (5)

Down

1 Dog in books grandchild had (7)

2 Elegance of Pope with refined sense (10)

3 See lake in valley (6)

4 Fish lover with love for allice primarily (5)

5 Nice station amid market inspires woman (8)

6 Makin’ ale we hear? It could be brown (5)

7 Go around in Mini? (5)

8 Leader of starvelings gone for food (4)

14    Merry clown upset girl (5)

16    GDR citizen lives well to the north (4)

17    Three notes worry soprano? (10)

20    Sorted out academy following quality cut (5)

23    Warriors lacking respect, ignoring men from Africa (4)

27    Soft snow (7)

30    Divorce capital splits partners previously (6)

31    Swift runner wins old silver coin (5)

32    Saint Alfred’s inhaled drug (5)

33 Upright lady (only one left) (5)

35 Customer stripped antique organ (4)

Download a printable version here.