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| Sunday, 02 March 2003 |
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The float from Sri Lanka back to our forest fastness was going very smoothly. Quince made a quick calculation on his mobile computer which also has compass facilities when sky travelling, that we had less than halfway to go which made everyone happy. The visit to the Paradise Isle was fantastic, especially at the zoo where we all had a good time - but it is always good to be going back home. Also, the little Blithe Spirits of the Night - Peace Blossom, Cobweb and Mustard seed - had begun to get homesick for their grassy banks and bluebells, and would cry at the drop of an acorn, sorry, mango; there are no acorns in Sri Lanka. It was chilly to the bone as we put ourselves on fast forward to get back quicker. Quince had the navigation under control and the weather was perfect - no air pockets or any of those terrifying things. But suddenly there was a beep on Quince's fax machine, with red lights flashing and more beeps, making everyone a little nervous. It was a message coming in from the forest direct, from Sherwood, actually, and everyone was delighted because it was Robin O'the Hood, our dear friend, beeping us. However, Quince was not at all happy; he said it was an urgent message and we should stand by. As we float along on our own steam - no commercial fuels required - and at our own pace,Quince's reaction was not at all encouraging. The message was decoded by Quince; it said that they are going to change God Save the Queen for a more modern National Anthem! Consternation! Was the end of the world at hand? As Quince read out the message Bottom woke up from his torpor and nearly choked on his own tongue. "They are going to WHAT?' he asked. 'They are going to change God Save the Queen,' said Quince. The Blithe Spirits began to sob uncontrollably; Puck threatened dire mischief; Starveling talked of deadly needles which he would inject into the veins of those responsible for the heinous change - if it ever came. Oberon was alerted; actually he and I were having a quiet little nap together. 'What's that I hear? he asked,floating closer to Quince who was the hub of attention. 'Actually, your majesty, it's a message from our friend Robin from Sherwood,' Quince gulped as he said the words. 'Yes, what is it? What's the message?' asked Oberon, rather disturbed. After a rapid consultation between Quince and the rest, Oberon was told the harrowing news. 'What?', he thundered. 'They are going to do what?' 'Your majesty, they are going to change God Save the Queen to something else,' Quince said, his face a mask of despair and trepidation at having to give Oberon the bad news. "Something ELSE?'asked Oberon. 'What something else? Who's insane idea is that?' Actually, it is the BBC's suggestion,' said Quince. 'The BBC's? And just who do they think they are?' asked Oberon, visibly angry now. 'Well, your majesty, the idea originated with them and they are now saying that people also want a change as they feel GSTQ is not so much a National Anthem of the people as a personal sung prayer for the safety of the monarch,' said Quince who had the unenviable task of having to brief Oberon on a question of national importance. 'They want something...somewhat more modern. 'Yes, your majesty. No, they don't want anything by the Beatles, but they say that it should be a collective composition by all those who think in contemporary terms.' 'Contemporary terms?' asked Oberon sarcastically. 'What can be more contemporary than asking God to save the world's greatest monarch?' There was lot's of logic in that,think. 'No, this just will not do,'Oberon said firmly. 'Action will have to be taken.' 'What kind of action, your majesty?' That was Bottom who was always ready for a good fight. 'We have to put the forest on a war footing. Send a message to that effect urgently to Robin O' the Hood,' commanded Oberon, his eyes flashing in the starlight, his coronet shining as it caught the light. 'Very good, your majesty,' said Quince who then proceeded to contact Sherwood. 'It shall be done.' "Urgent, his message read. 'King Oberon wants the forest pur on a war footing.' Sherwood sent back:' Already on a war footing. The men are polishing their arms. So much has to be done to wage war on White City. Armours have to be got out of the armoury, bows and arrows to be made by the best fletchers in the forest, swords ordered from Toledo...the list is endless.' Although it was ten centuries ahead, things had to be done soon to ensure that the National Anthem stayed where it is. More awareness was to be created among all sections of society of the importance of the anthem, its beauty and uniqueness. 'Her Majesty is not going to be humiliated like this, 'said a livid Bottom.' It is true that there will be many monarchs before we come to the year 2003, but,the sooner the better this abomination of all ideas is put to the sword. Well, not only sword, but Stinger missiles will also be deployed in the war and Sherwood's 187th Foot Commandos will be deployed in White City,' said Bottom, sounding like a Field Marshal of World War II. A huge cheer went up at that, and everyone felt better at the thought of all-out war in White City. Besides, we were fast reaching home and then everyone would feel better. As we floated over the White Cliffs, having changed course a bit because of a heavy wind, Bottom, as usual, suggested-with Ob's gracious permission, of course, that we all drink a toast on the run to that wonderful anthem God Save the Queen. It was approved by Ob and Bottom got out the bubbly and the glass flutes. 'When we have done with them - especially Robin's crack commando units - it will be God Save the BBC!'said Bottom,having the last word and everyone went off into gales of laughter. As we began the descent into the forest, we saw hundreds of people carrying placards with such slogans as: God will Save the Queen. Long may she live....long may she reign,' and, with one voice: God Save the BBC!, sung to the tune of Chopin's Funeral March. Titania |
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