I shall wear purple

Posted by Word Camel on April 17, 2003

In Reply to: I shall wear purple posted by ESC on April 17, 2003

: : During our class discussion, one of my students made reference to my age, to which I replied "Ah but, the older the violin, the sweeter the music!"
: : My submission is twofold. Am I mistakenly attributing this to Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove?"
: : I then recalled, "There may be snow on the roof, but there is still a fire in the hearth!" "Wine gets better with age!"
: : I would appreciate any and all references/ quotes/ sayings as to the advantages of aging.
: : Thanks in advance!

: These women could probably quote you a few -- www.redhatsociety.com/ They are followers of the sentiments expressed in this poem posted here in part:

: WARNING
: By Jenny Joseph

: When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
: With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me.
: And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
: And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
: I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
: And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
: And run my stick along the public railings
: And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
: I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
: And pick the flowers in other people's gardens . . .

: But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
: So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
: When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Gus McRae does indeed say this in Lonesome Dove. I have done a little looking and haven't found it attributed to anyone else but I doubt it's McMurtry's. Another variation is 'the older the bottle, the sweeter the wine.' The point is, for me anyway, is he's absolutely right. :)

Camelita
A camel of a certain age.

• The best is yet to be ESC 04/18/03
• Ageing TheFallen 04/18/03
  • Ageing S. Ryan 04/18/03
• Many a fine tune... TheFallen 04/18/03