The verbosity challenge

[Contratrombone64]

As always, full marks to Dame Margaret for your accute wisdom.

 

[Contratrombone64]

The act of remaining motionless, noiseless and with a deathly demenour whilst encapsulated in a small, airless chamber (often used now with reference to ships, but not in this case), all encompassed by an institution engendered to correctional programming. [This is a cunning reference to a pattersong which is sung about a famous Thames-side building].

 

[jhnbrbr]

I'm guessing it has something to do with being imprisoned in the Tower of London, but I can't think of a song about that.

 

[Contratrombone64]

You know what - my reference to the Thames is totally misleading and incorrect as it's more likely to be a place near Titipu.

 

[marval]

I am struggling with this one. I will probably kick myself when I find out.


Margaret

 

[jhnbrbr]

I'm struggling too Margaret. Is the word linking prison and ships "hold" by any chance? Does reference to Titipu mean it's from the Mikado? Help!

 

[Dorsetmike]

My brain hurts

 

[marval]

I think CT has out done us. I haven't given up yet, I will put my thinking cap on and see if anything appears.


Margaret

 

[Contratrombone64]

here's the quote:

To sit in solemn silence in a dull dark dock.
In a pestilential prison with a life-long lock.
Awaiting the sensation of the short, sharp shock.
From a cheap and chippy chopper on a big black block.

(now that's off the top of my head, so I might easily have gotten a word or syllable wrong).

 

[jhnbrbr]

Aha CT, it was the Mikado, but what made it extra hard (ie Google-proof) was that the title of the song (I am so proud) doesn't suggest the above themes at all. That's my excuse, anyway!

 

[jhnbrbr]

Here's a slightly easier one ...

A protagonist from the spear side who is compatible with any of the fourfold subdivisions of the periodic time of the earth's orbit identifiable from cyclic fluctuations in meteorological conditions.

 

[Contratrombone64]

Aha CT, it was the Mikado, but what made it extra hard (ie Google-proof) was that the title of the song (I am so proud) doesn't suggest the above themes at all. That's my excuse, anyway!

Hey - I'm glad none of you figured it out.

 

[Contratrombone64]

The four seasons ... but that doesn't account for spear-side, which is totally baffling and irksome.

 

[wljmrbill]

ahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.. and I listen to Mikado last night trying to find it.. guess I did not listen close enough.. but enjoyed the music anyway....

 

[jhnbrbr]

The four seasons ... but that doesn't account for spear-side, which is totally baffling and irksome.

Not quite! (revenge is sweet). Spear side btw is the opposite of distaff side.

 

[jhnbrbr]

A protagonist from the spear side who is compatible with any of the fourfold subdivisions of the periodic time of the earth's orbit identifiable from cyclic fluctuations in meteorological conditions.

Here's a clue: 60's film, set in Tudor England

 

[Contratrombone64]

No bloody idea ...

 

[marval]

Hi John, would it be "A Man for all Seasons"?


Margaret

 

[jhnbrbr]

Well done, Margaret!:clap:

 

[Contratrombone64]

Margaret - your ability to solve tricky problems never ceases to amaze me.