The Agony of Poor Spelling

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

*Dashes in, fresh from a parade of his newly-gathered militia*

Can't stop long. We're due to be invaded (see above) and I must prepare. We'll be ready to fight on the beaches and so forth when Birdland's army of darkness comes ashore.

You cunning devil, Telchar. Such deviousness can only result in advancement.

Lilibet was just here and we practiced for weeks for her. She deems us veddy proper.

It's very gratifying to hear that Canada hasn't fallen into total depravity since it ceased to be part of the Empire. Well done. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Are we in polite company, Squatter?

Are you suggesting that the Downs might be otherwise, Maril? Bethberry's on first-name terms with Queen Elizabeth; how much more polite can it get?

This wouldn't be the first time I've misunderstood the written word. The phrase "SPEAK FRIEND AND ENTER" comes to mind.

I think that you can be forgiven that oversight, O Pilgrim Grey. Either the message was deliberately cryptic, its inscriber's grasp of grammar was somewhat sketchy or it was a mistranslation. It should, of course, have read "Say 'friend' and enter".

I must continue to prepare for the advancing horde of Davy Crockett impersonators; so I bid you adieu.

*Rushes back out to supervise bayonet practice*