Rather frustrated by this puzzle. I can see the theme but not the hidden diagonal but still have some gaps. Somall help gratefully received.
Piece of lead turned grey (5)
I have L?A?D
Legendary poet’s abridged alternative passage (5)
I have ?s?ia. And maybe first letter is a u?
Hello, Roslyn251254, for 12a, I found LYARD while
LIARD refers to a former silver coin of France. Please confirm!
(Lyard definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary (collinsdictionary.com)