"Tests have been done, for instance, on the body of the Lindow Man (the Bog Man of Manchester, found in 1984) who died between AD 50 and AD 100. Tests found iron or copper pigments had been applied to his skin, but tests for vegetable dyes were negative. However, fabric remnants found with him did show evidence of having been dyed with woad. Tests on other bog people also show that a variety of metal-based pigments were used to decorate the skin, not only producing blue colours but also greens, yellows and reds."

Thank you, Jeannie, for that information. I've been leaning towards the idea of tattooing or body paint here, and this gives some confirmation. (I wonder why Manchester United hasn't taken it up, now that they have a precedent.)

As for the word "vitrum," perhaps it is related to our term "glaze."

The St David's Welsh Society will be pleased to hear that the song was written by a man named Jones. In order to get the proper military effect, we are reviving the "snare drum" made by laying dry linguine in a bodhran and tapping on the rim. I believe Jones would have approved.

Every time I sing the words dealing with braces,shirts, and studs, I think of Bertie Wooster and his man Jeeves. Men in those stories often suffered mishaps involving studs.