Cryptic Crossword

Admittedly this isn't an ideal cryptic crossword; there are somewhat too many black squares, and they're rather oddly placed. (Plus, I don't think cryptic crosswords are supposed to include words of fewer than four letters.) I do like some of the clues, though. Don't worry; the one for the next installment's better, though it still includes two three-letter words. Not familiar with cryptic crosswords? Click here for instructions!

ACROSS: 1 Hoping for medicine - a gram. (8) 5 At a mythical place, from beginning to end. (1, 2, 1) 9 Cinders prevent onset of irritation. (3) 10 Greenhorn's shelter contains nothing - doubly so after cartoon caveman left. (10) 11 Small bird's cry has spirit, embodying energy. (4) 12 No use; beginning goes back one step to a small rodent. (5) 13 Measure area behind house. (4) 15 Hunted animal heard to seek divine aid. (4) 16 Old Asian ox returned in good condition. (4) 17 Part of speech included in announcement. (4) 19 Shakespearean king taken at last to gain new knowledge. (5) 22 Thanksgiving dish set back a month. (3) 23 Is unable to lose first place to an insect. (3) 26 One wizard's portrait. (5) 27 Sounds like connection to Siamese. (4) 29 Town follows insect that pollinates vegetable. (4) 31 Exclamation in odd parts of England. (4) 32 Buffet friends back. (4) 35 Lament leaving out lead bird. (5) 36 Friend's endgame. (4) 38 Ruined rug is due to people who show others around. (4, 6) 39 Set of rules, first to last, for pointed instrument. (3) 40 Call first of events after site of prolonged war. (4) 41 Grotesque figure's use of mouthwash interrupted by Yiddish interjection. (8)

DOWN: 1 Opposed funds lacking Eastern element. (8) 2 Finish up filling purple clock part. (8) 3 Drew back line from narrow fish in lake. (6) 4 Noon, if the beginning of the year is cool. (5) 5 Snake in bubbling hot spring. (3) 6 Something conjectured or embraced by those people. (6) 7 Measurement of acidity year after start of zippy east wind. (6) 8 Space turns up in boggy area. (4) 14 Spanish gentleman raised gesture of assent. (3) 15 Coloring represents hurt time. (5) 18 Head of school rises to belt bottom of smart-aleck nude. (5) 20 Hardwood ship's wheel absent first. (3) 21 Fish put up in newspaper. (3) 24 Shut yard is renovated one day. (8) 25 Emerging id tests a strange aversion. (8) 26 Don't put lid on pieces of it. (3) 28 Titles brought up about a sailor. (6) 29 Outlaw Scottish hat for small fowl. (6) 30 He climbed through part of ladder and replaced a painting, perhaps. (6) 33 Ominous appearance of weaving device. (4) 34 Stop a heavy coat. (5) 37 Confused little sheep. (3)

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