More on the subject.. Begin forwarded message: G'day John: Very cute, but an oldie. See the NYT blurb from 1982 August 15, 1982 THE PECCAVI PUN I was most interested to read the anecdote of Sir Charles Napier in William Safire's column ''Exit Haigspeak'' (On Language, July 11). However, I think the circumstances surrounding his message to London, ''Peccavi,'' were rather different, making it an even better pun. The fighting in the 1840's was at a time of British expansion in India. Nevertheless, there were those in Britain who doubted the wisdom of too rapid an advance, and in particular, the capture of the province of Sind, which was thought likely to lead to an overextension of lines of communication. Napier was therefore under express orders not to capture the territory. Once he discovered, however, how little resistance there was, he took the province with ease. ''Peccavi'' therefore meant both ''I have Sind,'' and ''I have sinned'' - perhaps a perfect pun. MARK BURNYEAT New York City __ And from 2005 Peccavimus by Ian R Thorpe Saturday, January 08, 2005 This poem is rated "G" by the Author. Read New Poetry Rated: G, PG, PG13, R Share Print Save Author Tracker Recent poems by Ian R Thorpe • Let Us Seek New Journeys Together - 12/18/2007 • The Churches Are Burning - 12/13/2007 • Work of Art - 11/27/2007 • Chimera - 11/26/2007 • Beautiful Children (with no love in their eyes) - 11/26/2007 • Idiot Savants - 11/19/2007 >> View all 126 The title I chose for this reminded me of a story about one of the more illustrious old boys of my school, General Havelock who was remarkably witty for a military man. During the British annexation of India the General was dispatched with an army to secure the rebellious north western province of Sind (now Pakistan) On securing the territory Havelock sent back a one word message to high command, "peccavimus." (which in Latin means "we have sinned") That of course is totally at odds with the gravity of this poem. Peccavimus (we have sinned) The world spins endlessly around its dying sun in endless space. Seers and science seek a sign; are we alone or might we be mutations of an older race planted here to serve some grand design as guardians of a sacred trust. Peccavimus. Squatting on our mother Earth we tear at her fragile skin, gorging on the precious lode. The industry that milks her dry destroys the seed contained within. Her vital systems now corrode; we drain her like an incubus. Peccavimus. A glutton never forsees want but hopes the feast will last forever careless of harm that may accrue to the infinitely forgiving dam; but if the umbilical cord should sever the cycle ends, nothing can renew. Must everything we made end thus? Peccavimus. Peccavimus, we all have sinned, ignored wisdom for easy gain, turned each from other to cult of self, traded with the salesman priest, bought instant pleasure with future pain, swapped heritage for short term wealth, thrown truthless prayers at empty skies. Earth bleeds. May we yet turn the tide. The prodigal god that men have made demands only blind servitude, turns the child against its mother, deceives with gifts of gold and glory the highest among nature's brood and bids the rape go on forever until womb becomes sarcophagus. Peccavimus. ooroo If you don't hear the knock of opportunity - build a door. Anon.

John - a piece of insightful poetry. "..... traded with the salesman priest ..." ! My impetuosity will catch me out yet again but - I relate and - I like it. Wishes Sally ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Feltham" <wulguru.wantok@gmail.com> To: "Raj" <INDIA-BRITISH-RAJ-L@rootsweb.com> Peccavimus by Ian R Thorpe Saturday, January 08, 2005 Peccavimus (we have sinned)