I’ve always had a bit of a problem with Rabbie Burns which is that there is a load of it I never understood – not without a glossary or someone helpfully telling me what on Earth is going on.
With McGonagall, on the other hand, you know exactly what’s happening. It’s usually a battle or a bridge or a shipwreck or a disaster or a battle. Or a big whale.
For example:
Twas in the month of December, and in the year 1883,
That a monster whale came to Dundee
Resolved for a few days to sport and play,
And devour the small fishes in the silvery Tay,
See? Perfectly transparent, factual, entertaining. Marvellous.
Compare with Burns:
The sma, droop-rumpl’t, hunter cattle
Might aiblins waur’t thee for a brattle;
But sax Scotch miles thou try’t their mettle,
And gar’t them whaizle:
Nae whip nor spur, but just a wattle
O’ saugh or hazle.
What the hell? Complete nonsense.
Join me and my movement to install McGonagall as the national bard. Let’s “awa” with this Joker fae Ayr.
Anyway, come to the completely understandable quiz tonight, if you’re not busy getting bored to death by someone reading Tam O Bloody Shanter.
Brass Monkey Grange 7pm (with me)
Free answer: MUSIC round: “CELIA CRUZ“
Jackpot: £50
Book: Phone 0131 667 2335
The Strathie 7pm (with Mr. E)
Free answer: PICTURE round: “ISTANBUL“
Jackpot: £60
Book: Call Strathie on 0131 554 8717 or send them a message on their Facebook.
The Newsroom 9pm (with me)
Free answer: In the PICTURE round: “BANQUO“
Jackpot: £50
Book: Call Newsroom on 0131 557 5830 or use their online booking https://www.newsroomedinburgh.co.uk/book-now.html
With quiz and love,
Dr Paul
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