Dull is the eye that will not weep to see Thy walls defaced, thy mouldering shrines removed By British hands, which it had best behoved To guard those relics ne’er to be restored. Curst be the hour when from their isle they roved, And once again thy hapless bosom gored, And snatch'd thy shrinking gods to northern climes abhorred! —"Childe Harold's Pilgrimage"
"The Honourable Lord has taken advantage of the most unjustifiable means and has committed the most flagrant pillages. It was, it seems, fatal that a representative of our country loot those objects that the Turks and other barbarians had considered sacred," said Sir John Newport.
Dearest Mamma,
Just drifting down the Nile after a good days shooting. Had an excellent dinner rather marred by inopportune talk of business.
Bringing plenty of souvenirs - do we own a museum anywhere? Should be back in time for a Xmas wedding. I'm sure you'll adore Wallace, he's an excellent shot.
Your loving daughter
Elspeth
How doth the little Elspeth Improve her stunning aim, She trains her eye on fezes red And blasts them all the same!
How cheerfully she seems to grin, How neatly spreads her fire, "That dastardly Count Ivanov Will one day feel my ire!"