Sorry Sweeney - I am bound to disagree. It was not you I was accusing of the 'provocative obloquy' — most of your posts have been reasonably if strongly expressed, I should say. But others far less so - including this unprovoked [as I read] it denunciation by GUESTguest. But I can't feel you justified in describing a man, who is quite obviously intent on defending the reputation of a dear friend whom he knew well and from whom he over the years received many kindnesses, as indulging in expressions which were 'cloying' or 'mawkish': they struck me, within the context of this thread, as eminently reasonable.

When I responded [30 Aug 09 12.37AM] to Jim's request for any example anyone could adduce of EMacC's having behaved like 'a bastard' [his word, quoting another poster], with a true story of some unreasonable behaviour on Ewan's part of which I had been a close observer back in the 50s, the response I got from Jim was entirely fair & unobjectionable. I see JC as one fighting his corner, often with vehemence as we all will at times [as you & I well know from past experience] - but I find no justification for any description of him as 'a nasty piece of work'.

Not quite sure why I am becoming involved in this particular bit of contention, in which I am not directly concerned — some sort of love for justice & fair·play I suppose... More fool me, probably ["Peace, Kent - come not between the dragon & his wrath": Shakespeare King Lear Act I, sc i].