|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 12 September 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Weekend Meander : Olympics in an English forest "Eureka! I've got it!" "Got what, Bottom?" asked Quince. "Got what it takes, that's what!" Then Quince: "All our acts are together for Athens. Everything has been done." "Beg pardon, Quincy. I meant the wardrobe department." Just then Puck came rushing in, breathless. He was worried about what he was going to wear for Athens. "Don't worry, Pucky. In Greece do as the Greeks do," Bottom said, sounding terribly superior. "And what do the Greeks do?" asked Quince. "They don't do much, actually. That is to say they - well - really don't wear too much at all for the Olympics." That was Bottom, of course. Consternation all round. "Never mind your comments, Botty. Those Greeks started their Games long, long ago. We weren't even born then," Quince said. "Quincey, you had better ask Merlin about that, whether we were not born yet or what," Bottom advised. "What's Merlin got to do with this?" asked Quince. "Merlin's got everything to do with it because he belongs to all ages. Remember? In 'Camelot' it said he does not age." "You and your 'Camelot," Quince said. "Well, it's not me and my 'Camelot." It's Tennyson's 'Camelot.' Bottom cracked back. "We have got to get ready for Athens and there isn't much time left," said Quince. Just then there was a rustle in the royal tree. Oberon came down not looking in the best of spirits. Everyone stood to attention. "Quince, will you send off this e-mail immediately to Athens." "Very good, your majesty," Quince rapped out. Meanwhile, Bottom had an amused look on his face. "Is anything bothering you, Bottom?" Oberon asked. Bottom cleared his throat. "Well...no... your majesty. Not really." "With all due respect, your majesty, Bottom is never in the realm of reality." "That's quite a good state to be in, Quince," the king said. "Reality is often difficult to take..." Silence all round. "I have decided that we are not going to Athens," Oberon announced. Bottom gave out a bit of a muted wail, muttering something about clothes. "Never mind the clothes, Botty, you can use them right here. I have decided to hold our own Olympic Games right here," Oberon said. "Fantastic! I'm over the moon! Hurray for His Maj!" shouted Bottom till Quince had to quieten him with a mild reminder. "One moment," cautioned Oberon. "It's not going to be all that easy. Lot's of preparations have to be made. Besides, the Queen has still not completely recovered after her terrible ordeal and needs to rest some more." "We have already contacted the Greek Athletics Committee and arrangements are being made to send some of their best coaches here for us," the king said. "In that case, your majesty, we will have to start making announcements immediately, so that at least they can coincide with the Greek Olympics," said Quince. "You have carte blanche, Quince," said the king. Bottom cleared his throat. "Your maj, what about the guest list?" he asked. "That, too is in Quince's able hands. But all of you are free to nominate any guests of your choice. And don't forget the foreign diplomats. The EU representative is a keen cricketer and as such likes events of this sort." "But your Maj, the EU representative who likes cricket is in Sri Lanka. What shall we do about that, your Maj?" Bottom asked. "At the mention of Sri Lanka, we saw Ob's face turn a little pale. Not surprising after all we had gone through on the royal rock... the joys and the little sorrows, the agony and the ecstasy, the ups and downs of Sigiriya, delightful as they were. Almost one year now since Sri Lankan Airlines invited us to join their media tour of the world-famous cultural complex,' we heard Titania say to herself with a sigh. Fairies apparently have the habit of talking to themselves, which is a commendable thing. Even Prince Charles, although he is not a fairy, is said to talk to his wild flowers and herbs at 'Highgrove' - at least he will, more than thousand years later. Jubilation all round at Oberon's announcement about the Forest Olympics, and then, to Bottom's great delight, the King ordered the bubbly for pre-lunch drinks. - Karel R R |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
