As you know, I was resting quietly at my peu de maison in the country. Very early this morning, at least 9:30 or 10, I was quite startled to hear Miss Angleterre arrive in the driveway. She came bearing the laptop computer, and the news that as you say, "something was up." Of course by now we all know what the something was. For myself, I must say it was worth arising at the dawn to know. I am always mystified at the manner in which Miss Angleterre receives information, but it is often very accurate.
After the excitement of the first news, and with the darker thoughts of our dear Invictus in my mind, I retired to the bath to contemplate these momentous events. Here is what I am thinking. Le professeur Thames may choose one of two roads where he may traverse, and those of his entourage may do likewise. He may take what you call the "high" road or he may take the "low" road. History and le bon Dieu will judge his choice. Upon the high road, he will truly at last love his university. He will not revenge himself, he will concentrate the mind on what is of lasting value, he will think of his legacy. OR, he may, upon the low road, exact his vengeance upon those who opposed him, he may burn and hurt and slash and incite others to do so, aussi
If he is indeed ill, perhaps he will think upon the eternal verities, and begin to contemplate the rightness and wrongness of things and will make apologies and amends.
I have my own thought as to what he will do, in truth, and it is a thought that saddens me. However, I have been so, so wrong at other times, and perhaps I will be again. One always hopes everything and expects nothing, non?
His young friends at his side should think to themselves and their future. Two years is a short time and memory is long. They should begin to seek new venues, perhaps, the more distant the better.
Ah well, my dear comrades-in-arms, the battle is not won, but much strength is gained today. We will lift our glasses and still recall . . . .
quote: Originally posted by: Monique de Guerre "Thames may choose one of two roads where he may traverse, and those of his entourage may do likewise. He may take what you call the "high" road or he may take the "low" road. History and le bon Dieu will judge his choice. Upon the high road, he will truly at last love his university. He will not revenge himself, he will concentrate the mind on what is of lasting value, he will think of his legacy. OR, he may, upon the low road, exact his vengeance upon those who opposed him, he may burn and hurt and slash and incite others to do so, aussi If he is indeed ill, perhaps he will think upon the eternal verities, and begin to contemplate the rightness and wrongness of things and will make apologies and amends. I have my own thought as to what he will do, in truth, and it is a thought that saddens me. However, I have been so, so wrong at other times, and perhaps I will be again. ."
Ms. Monique,
How well do you know of the history of SFT? My thoughts like you, wish that you are wrong, but I know better. SFT will extract vengenance galore. A faculty colleague once told me that SFT is one person you won't want mad at you. THIS man does not forget! His memory is long and his vengeance swift........... I would continue to advise all faculty and staff to watch their back (front, side, head and feet) the next two years...............
Ah, cher Green Hornet, how have you been since we traveled together?
You are most wise to caution all. Do you think that the vengeance will be against all, or will some be singled out?
But yet, recall the words of le bon Dieu -- vengeance is MINE, and I will repay, saith the Lord I fear that if Dr. Thames takes up the rod of vengeance, it will smite him instead. He should think upon the long reaches of eternity before he acts.
quote: Originally posted by: M de G "Ah, cher Green Hornet, how have you been since we traveled together? You are most wise to caution all. Do you think that the vengeance will be against all, or will some be singled out? But yet, recall the words of le bon Dieu -- vengeance is MINE, and I will repay, saith the Lord I fear that if Dr. Thames takes up the rod of vengeance, it will smite him instead. He should think upon the long reaches of eternity before he acts."
Ah, mon cheri, Do you remember the moonlight? The breeze in your hair? You were most beautiful on our trip (and still are)
But on to my reply. Do you recall, "Kill them all and let God sort them out"? SFT's may still cause a lot of damage. We must remain strong and united. It will be a long two years.
Oh, dear Green Hornet, how well do I remember the breeze in my hair! You are most chivalrous.
Miss Angleterre has retired for the evening. It has been such a day of emotions, has it not? She and I will be returning to Hattiesburg in the morning, for another day on which I shall leap into the fray! I am hoping to be home in the early afternoon, unless we stop for une petite dejeuner. However, Miss Angleterre is sometimes unreasonable on the subject of lunch. She feels we are not quiet far away enough to stop for a repast, though one does grow fatiqued.
I do understand, however, that Miss Angleterre was able to contact our beloved Professor Lares, who is traveling abroad. (Oh, did you stop at that certain cafe I told you about, dear Jameela?) So our news has now travelled abroad! We are practically an international incident. I was so sad before to postpone my own trip to Paris, due to a lack of sufficient luggage, but as events are now unfolding, I would not leave for all the champagne in la belle France!
bon soir, dear hearts, but do not beat your swords into plowshares just yet. M de G
ps So, no one has found the small pink slipper? How careless of me to let it fly out of the window. I really must pack more carefully next time.