Friday, April 24, 2009

The Sardinian Sacrifice

Why are the shops shut? asked Pliny the Elder. I want to buy some sardines.

It's Anzac Day, I replied.

What's that?

It's the day we remember the soldiers who died in the wars.

Very good, said Pliny. No one should forget the importance of wars. I am very proud of my own military service. What a great empire we Romans had. They were glorious days.

We don't remember the gloriousness of it, I said. We remember the sacrifice they made.

By the Heavens! said Pliny. Don't tell me sacrifice isn't glorious! So, no sardines for lunch today.
I shall have brown bread and cheese.

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