The Spectator's Notes

Wednesday, 9th January 2008

Charles Moore's reflections on the week

After writing elsewhere about the fact that the Queen is now our longest-lived monarch, I realised that it is not true. If you take the word ‘monarch’ in its literal meaning of single ruler, Elizabeth II is still beaten by a man who reigned — though that is not the right word — from 1658 to 1660. Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver, succeeded his father as Lord Protector, and was deposed by the Restoration. He later lived quietly in Hertfordshire under a pseudonym and did not die until 1712, when he was 85. This fact makes a good trick quiz question, but I also think that poor ‘Tumbledown Dick’s’ old age would make a good subject for a long, monologue poem of the sort in which Browning excelled.

This New Year’s Day, for the first time, I received several text messages from friends wishing me a Happy New Year. I was about to reply when, studying the rather generalised wording of the texts, I surmised that these were the modern version of Christmas cards, not personal messages requiring an answer. Was I right not to respond, or was I rude?

Before Christmas, I mentioned Mrs P of Kent, who has collected 24 threatening letters from the TV Licensing Authority, for the crime of not possessing a television. She is capped by Mr S from Hampshire. Since December 2000, he tells me, he has received 78 such letters, and several recorded delivery items. He has also had three visits from TVL. He never replies to TVL’s letters or speaks to their staff when they visit: ‘This makes them very annoyed. On their last visit their response was “Then you’ll be prosecuted.” Previously it was “Then we’ll get a search warrant.” Needless to say, I heard no more.’

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David Watkins

January 12th, 2008 1:44am Report this comment

Charles Moore, who thinks Ann Widdecombe should be killing the fatted calf in honour of Tony Blair, should re-read the Gospels. The prodigal son publicly and passionately repented: "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son". Of all living statesmen, the invicibly smug Mr Blair is hardest to imagine using such words.

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