tantinople.

"(2) Convey to the Admiral my best wishes that all success may attend
the Fleet. The Army knows they can rely on their energy and effective
co-operation while dealing with the land forces of the enemy.

"(3) Assure General d'Amade and the French troops of our entire
confidence that their courage and skill will result in the triumph of
their arms.

"(End of message)--" Personal:

"All my thoughts will be with you when operations begin."

We, here, think of Lord K. too. May his shadow fall dark upon the
Germans and strike the fear of death into their hearts.

Just got following from the Admiral:--

"H.M.S. _Queen Elizabeth_,
"_23rd April, 1915._

"My dear General,

"I have sent orders to all Admirals that operations are to proceed and
they are to take the necessary measures to have their commands in their
assigned positions by Sunday morning, April 25th!

"I pray that the weather may be favourable and nothing will prevent our
proceeding with the scheme. 'May heaven's light be our guide' and God
give us the victory.

"Think everything is ready and in some ways the delay has been useful,
as we have now a few more lighters and tugs available.

"Yours sincerely,
(_Sd._) "J. M. de Robeck."

I have sent a reply:--

"S.S. _Arcadian_,
_23rd April, 1915._

"My dear Admiral,

"Your note just received gives expression to my own sentiments. The
sooner we get to work now the better and may the best cause win.

"Yours sincerely,
(_Sd._) "Ian Hamilton."

Rupert Brooke is dead. Straightaway he will be buried. The rest is
silence.

Twice was "the sight" vouchsafed me:--in London when I told Eddie I
would bespeak the boy's services; at Port Said when I bespoke them.

Death on the eve of battle, death on a wedding day--nothing so tragic
save that most black mishap, death in action after peace has been
signed. Death grins at my elbow. I cannot get him out of my thoughts. He
is fed up with the old and sick--only the flower of the flock will serve
him now, for God has started a celestial spring cleaning, and our star
is to be scrubbed bright with the blood of our bravest and our best.

Youth and poetry are the links binding the chil