P.S. I have one other line alternative that I'm not totally happy with, but at least it rhymes. Eurgh. Instead of:

"What of this John you love so well? What word do you receive?
For surely he'll have written you of his brave, noble deeds?"

I'm trying this:

What of this John you love so well? What word do you receive?
For surely he'll have written home, your sorrows to relieve?"

Still not great, but slightly more legitimate.

M