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38 Revision “I think occasionally of those who were nearly great” may also have two adverbs, but at least they’re funny while Spender’s are flabby and frankly regrettable. The line is more interesting, too, because the “truly” great can be overwhelming or off-putting, even discouraging, while the “nearly” is something to work toward or hope for: you are not required to think about them more than now and then. They may pop into mind, dropping in as friends will do impromptu, just passing by. Such people are a privilege to know and when you are deep in the dumps you take some comfort that they seem to like you, will even laugh at your jokes, and any connection with them is reassuring. ...

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