I refer to the little piece in Quote of the Day, published by this newspaper on March 18.

It contained a very boorish joke about the Italians that was attributed to W. Owen, a British poet and soldier.

At least, he should have said “they kiss your hands” because the Italians are not known for kissing feet.

What a poet has emerged from oblivion! Or maybe he was talking as a soldier and not as a poet: I wonder whether the British local community loved this memorable quote.

Allow me to go on record to declare that this is not the way to make friends or show gratitude.