Handwriting

[heather_mist]

Stephen said, ‘Will I tell you another of Plato’s observations?’
‘Pray do,’ said Jack, his smile briefly returning.
‘It should please you, since you have a very pretty hand. Hinksey quoted it when I dined with him in London and we were discussing the bill of fare: “Calligraphy,” says Plato, “is the physical manifestation of an architecture of the soul.” That being so, mine must be a turf-and-wattle kind of soul, since my handwriting must be disowned by a backward cat; whereas yours, particularly on your charts, has a most elegant flow and clarity, the outward form of a soul that might have conceived the Parthenon.’ (TC Chapter 6)

This is one of my favourite quotes because I like using fountain pens, dip pens, and inks for writing - a far more civilised method of creating than the utility of a computer keyboard. Sadly however I have far too much affinity with Stephen's handwriting than I would like, although I long to have Jack's 'elegant flow and clarity'. A backward cat would probably laugh at my attempts.

Comments

[esteven]

What a charming online shop! :D

Indeed, the clipper looks wonderful. You must post a photo of its first impression.

I had to laugh at the palm-tree, not because I found it hideous (indeed it is a fine specimen) but because it reminded me of Jack climbing a palm-tree (FSotW, I think) which then swayed under his weight. ;D

[heather_mist]

Oh I know - I thought the same thing and was severely tempted!

It was FSotW just after they had left the infamous proa - and Stephen was getting snarky thinking that Jack was up the palm tree scoffing on coconuts while he sat below starving pitifully, the poor lamb. (Actually Jack had seen the ship which had driven all other thoughts from his mind of course).

Maybe next year... Still, the pineapple - Jack cutting Stephen slices of pineapple... so many lovely scenes!

[esteven]

*nods*
Reading O'Brian conjures up many unusual connotations, all difficult to explain.

Stephen was getting snarky thinking that Jack was up the palm tree scoffing on coconuts
...on the other hand showing his absolute trust in anything shippy that Jack says. *remembers that Stephen was not astonished when the Surprise boats came to the rescue*

As you say, so many lovely scenes for this comm.

Have just posted the buttercup-yellow hair