CISRA Puzzle Competition 2011 - Hints

3D. Rime Royal

• An answer to Rime Royal you request
  when hints embedded therein I did place?
  Not merely inklings to each scheme suggest,
  but further in does deeper clue encase.
  Beginning step for those without a trace:
  how many words within each line abound;
  how many letters in each answer found?
• Again I hear thy plaintive doleful screams!
  Heed this advice, and mayhap you'll progress:
  The poem clues hath seven common themes;
  some word play, research, letters to caress –
  each clue doth seven letter word express.
  Once clues divined, what data are unused?
  View answers when those fitting are infused.
• Returnest thee with no good answer yet?
  These little clues may finally be told.
  Into each square of seven answers set
  by marking seven eighths of title bold –
  they then reveal an image to behold.
  Seek seven answers for a final grid;
  last title words show final picture hid!