In spite of some of the memories, (Who now remembers the nipple-tassel poisoner?) I fondly recall performing at the house of the younger madam Oliphal. Her maid, Lottie, was determined to keep on top of things. She’d even prepared a wide selection of mop overshoes. So every guest who arrived, no matter who they were, … More Tidying up the lose ends
It has to be said that people can be a little dismissive about the dangers inherent in the occupation of jobbing poet. They point out that young men who go on to serve with one of our Condottieri captains must brave the blades of their foes. This is of course true, but at least they … More With a degree of trepidation
If you listened to the gossip whispered behind fluttering fans, you’d be convinced that Yale Belom was a philanderer of some standing. Yet between ourselves, a more loyal family man never drew breath. Yes he had his weakness, but his was more that he tended to say what seemed good at the time. He had … More Led astray?
Gaspar Fishmart was an artist. Given the sort of people who call themselves artists nowadays I’ll be more specific, Gaspar painted pictures. They might be strange and occasionally disturbing pictures, but they were still pictures; in spite of the fact that he specialised in working with several different shades of black. He was by … More Put that in your pipe and smoke it
I have always been fond of dancing, for a man who can twirl an elegant leg with the best of them, it’s the perfect pastime. But I realise that there are mixed opinions on the topic. One of the more mixed is the opinion held by Sultas Enore. Sultas is no longer as young … More Tripping the light fantastic
Some people are not the authors of their own misfortune, no matter what gossips might imply. For a sad example of how one can fall, in spite of one’s best efforts, I am indebted to Susan who reminded me of the poignant tale of Antorious Glone. Born of a good family, he received a reasonable … More The lamentable fate of Antorious Glone.
There are patrons who patronise you for entirely the wrong reasons. Either you are this season’s fashion, or they hope you’ll put in a good word for them with another patron; or in the case of Madame Cockeren, because her husband damned well told her to. Now between ourselves, I rather like Old Bluffer Cockeren. … More Where the sun doesn’t shine
It’s always difficult to get to the truth at times. This can be especially true when people ‘fall out’, or feel they have been insulted, or that people have taken advantage of them. Thus it was some time before I discovered the real nature of the exile of Mistress Jena. Mistress Jena was an attractive … More The sad exile of Mistress Jena.
You will know the sort of day I’m having at the moment. I sit in the barge, listening to the rain beating on the roof. If I peer out of the portholes all I will see is the grey water of the estuary, stirred and agitated by the constant driving rain. Still it’s warm … More Never let it be said…
Tallis Steelyard 