Monday 19 January 2009

Old Age and Good Living

Vicus Scurra admonished me the other day, for suggesting that the death of John Mortimer made me think about living a more healthy lifestyle. I realised at once that it was a completely inappropriate thing to say.

"An incorrigible bon vivant" - Daily Telegraph

As last night's documentary on BBC4 demonstrated, (it's available on the BBC iPlayer in some parts of the world) the old polymath was seldom seen without a glass in his hand, and had quite a fondness for female company.

Johnny Mortimer was thoroughly liberal in his ethics, his politics, and his practice of the law. The idea that some small group of people might take it upon themselves to tell everybody else what was good and bad for them to read was wholly abhorrent to him.

He was QC for the defence in the Schoolkids' Oz obscenity trial, of whom he said
All the flower children were as alike as a congress of accountants and about as interesting.

Mortimer with Kathy Lette

So, having reflected on the matter, I have decided that I want to take care of my body ,and my chest in particular, so that I can live to a ripe old age, drink fine wine and breathe deeply in the company of beautiful women.

4 comments:

Vicus Scurra said...

Sorry you took it as an admonishment, dear boy. It was only an observation.
A fine man, with excellent principles. (Both you and Morters)

Tim F said...

"...and breathe deeply in the company of beautiful women."

Or, indeed, Kathy Lette.

(Was that ungallant? Sorry, I can't respect a woman who's built some sort of literary career on the back of a few competent puns. She's just Tim Vine in a short skirt.)

But RIP Mortimer. Proof that a naughty man can lead a good life.

KAZ said...

Polymath is my favourite word.
Is Vicus like a good looking version of Mortimer?
Perhaps not.

Gordie said...

Vicus I took it very constructively, reflected upon't, and am grateful to you.

Kaz You may think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

Tim Footman You may think that. The good thing about Australian women is they're already upside down.