Quite. I have, over the years, remonstrated in vain with Mssrs Fagen & Becker. I pointed out that, contrary to their lyric, William & Mary will, indeed, "do." And if the girl was cruel, it served them right. Humph.

Very good! This is the way we used to go a-fishing. My gillie was much more useful to my living being than my amanuensis is to my statue.

We shall have better times anon, my dear. Be well. See you soon. A fine plinthie set, if a bit melancholy.

Yes. I was expecting a more substantial part, but Upon reflection, I wouldn't take away any of President Rowe's eloquence.

"Yesterday, William & Mary joined universities throughout the U.S. in urging the administration to change this new rule. These regulations are unfair, unfeasible, and threaten William & Mary’s teaching and research mission as a global university." wm.edu/news/announcem…

Yes, I've been quiet lately. Do you blame me? I break my silence to inform you lot that this day we mark Black Tot Day. On 31 July, 1970, the Royal Navy issued the last of the daily rum rations. Eh? No, I don't advise dispensing a daily tot to you lot. That's all we need. Bah!

Your very good health, sir.

Quite. The university is closed Tuesday. But as an essential employee — indeed who is more so? — I shall be here atop my plinth. Harking. And what, pray, shall I be harking upon? Hmmmmm?

You do me great honour, sir.

To be sure, to be sure. It *was* rather in the nature of a rhetorical question, though.

Good morning. I thought you lot might like to see what the Wren Yard looks like to-day after the passing of #Isaias. You'll perceive the odd small branch fallen and some raindrops on the Viewing Device. It creates a nimbus, or halo, around the plinth.

No, no. I won't be taking part. But do "tune in," as you say in your flash argot. It will be well worth your time.

I fully approve of this genteel event.

“Forced,” sir? Ahem.

Well. It appears that the vile Whigs won't have a candidate standing for #Virginia governor this year. I am content. Mostly.

You are very welcome, sir. All visitors are, indeed, welcome. All genteel visitors, that is. The illuminated insects provide a gratifying display, to be sure.

Welcome, Brian Mann. If you care to receive advice on the finer points of croquet strategy or when a bowler should try a googly, I am at your service. But you will have to come to me. Obvious reasons.

Ah, a harbinger of normalcy. Very gratifying. (No, no. None for me thank you. Brain freeze, don't you know.)

Bah!

You are very good, sir. But I feel much better when they play "God Save the Queen."