19 MARCH 1943, Page 14

NETTLES

Sur,—In his delightful article in The Spectator of March tath Sir Stephen Tallents does not expect anyone to love the stinging nettle and recalls no poet who has praised it in his verse. May I suggest Edward Thomas as not far from love and praise in the following lines?

TALL NETTLES Tall nettles cover up, as they have done These many springs, the rusty harrow, the plough Long worn out, and the roller made of stone: Only the elm butt tops the nettles now.

This corner of the farmyard I like most: As well as any bloom upon a flower I like the dust on the nettles, never lost Except to prove the sweetness of a shower.

Yours, &c.,