<URL:mailto:anon2...@firedrake.org> wrote:
> In message <ant1902510b0d...@julie.local.net> SODAM proclaimed and declaimed:

> >SODAM emerges blinking into the sunlight to the rapturous applause of the huge
> >throng.
> >She adopts Declamatory Stance no. 34 but one of the assembly calls for her to
> >adopt no.36 (similar to 34, but with left arm extended.) SODAM obliges, smiles
> >at the crowd, then unfurls the Scroll and declaims:
> >Official BBQ Ode 2002
> It was reassuring, when I arrived so very late as I did, to find SODAM
> still in Her Aspect as Thalia, Muse of Comedy, Playful & Idyllic Poetry,
> signalised by her wearing of the ivy wreath about her brow; but I think we
> must provide her with the other essential for Thalia, the shepherd's staff,
> next year.  Otherwise she might be mistaken for Melpomene, and that would
> _never_ do.

> "In addition to being a Muse, she is also considered to be one of the
> Three Graces. When you look at ancient Greek paintings and sculptures,
> she is often depicted holding a comic mask in her left hand and a staff
> in her right hand...and seems always to be wearing an ivy crown."

> Alas, this leaves no hand free to hold the Scroll.  Perhaps if we can
> manage to get Mr Sheep to come to the BBQ, he might carry the shepherd's
> staff for her and stand respectfully behind her during the Declamation.  He
> could use it to beat back the hordes of admirers trying to kiss the hem of
> her robe