Lawrence of Arabia was surprised that the Arab generals gave their orders in verse. What was the reason for this poetic outburst? Why this insistence on inspiration in the midst of battle?

Just as Lawrence of Arabia didn't understand the place of poetry in a battle, we still don't understand why Plato wanted to expel poets from the polis. We both would have benefited greatly from reading your magnificent article. Thank you for sharing your sensitivity and lucidity with us.