Listener 3939

[offramp_t]

I am stuck on 31 down:
Dismal Netherlands has to feel grief of old poet (5)

The letters I have are LER_E, although some of course could be wrong.

I also have the names of three Roman British towns, but I'm not sure what to do with them! Any ideas?

[cruciverbali]

31d: Lerne


Hint: What connected Roman towns and cities ?

Cruciverbalist

[offramp_t]

Yes - Lerne seems to be the only one that fits.

Chambers says:

A swamp near Argos, supposed to be the home of the Hydra....

I don't quite get it.

But thanks anyway! I am sure it is right. I spotted the three big streets soon after posting! Thanks!

[Quizmonkey]

One of Chambers' definitions of 'dismal' is 'a swamp'. So it's (N)L + erne.