Amazingly, this cliché actually dates back to the 5th Century BC and the writings of the Greek historian, Herodotus, who praised the horseback messengers of King Xerxes of the Persians in these words...
Since this doubtless looks all Greek to you, here's a literal translation by Bill Casselman, to whose fascinating website on books and words I am indebted for this information:
...Not snowstorm, not thunder-shower, not heat, not night shall work to delay their imposed mail-route nor their carrying it out as fast as possible.Unfortunately, in the UK the Royal Mail don't seem to have quite the same dedication as those Persian riders or their later North American counterparts.
For example...
I have JUST RECEIVED a somewhat belated CHRISTMAS CARD from the wonderfully talented author, artist and illustrator Ian Beck...
Thanks, very much Ian! nice to be remembered and the new book looks good!
So.....
When did Ian POST this card which was correctly addressed including the all-important postal code?
FIVE MONTHS ago TODAY!!
22 December 2006
22 December 2006
Still, at least it was posted FIRST CLASS!
Anyway, bearing mind how much snow, rain, heat and gloom of night we've gone through in the past five months, I suppose it's a bloody marvel it arrived at all!
[Images: Illustrations by Ian Beck from Butterfingers by Juliet Trewellard]
3 comments:
The only positive thing I can say about the UK postal service is it compares very favourably with the USA equivalent.I use both quite frequently and the Americans have a proud boast which they have never reneged on - they never deliver a parcel intact. Delicates, well-wrapped records, books,magazines, whatever the contents, they'll smash it into bits and then, if they're feeling generous and they don't want the items themselves, they'll pour it into the mailbox of its intended recipient.It's cost me a fortune over the years. Believe me, the UK service is focussed and dedicated by comparison !
At Tuesday, May 22, 2007, Bill Casselman said...
Brian -
I arose this morning in the Canadian spring renewed to ancestral vigour. I read your kind word about my website. Then I read that poem read at the great actor's funeral by Helen Mirren. I wept before breakfast. It is not on in our household.
Thank you for sharing Edna!
Bill Casselman
www.billcasselman.com
IAN BECK wrote:
Thank you so much for that and the blog entry, and your kind words. I am very glad that the card finally got to you, what on earth was the story there?
All Very Best Wishes
Ian
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