[Varley]

Just cast the first stone I dare you! (I am writing this in the voice of Brian Blessed).

Incense and graven images. Two instances where 'we' do not follow Italianate practices (her ladyship only needs your given name to determine the cut of your altar and dress of your shaman).

More than theatre, music and fine prose? I envy you your comfort.

(Flagellation, phylacteries and other mortifications of the flesh have their places, of course. Usually ones shared with young ladies offering French lessons).

Will you stop trying to couple the galley stove to the shaft. I need it for satellite working. It's the dhobi machines that you should be using. 48 hours, you say? I'll tell the office about half a fortnight which should be time enough to enjoy the sights (and enjoy a glass or five of Bushy's Gibraltar beer - Castletown bitter would be better but I'll not carp. At least its not Harp).

If you insist on taking us down the Spanish coast just keep radio silence, especially if we have an oonasty. If you ask for their help we'll be 'out of the environment' before you can say Mangouros.