Ransome, the Teacher...


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Posted by Ed Kiser on April 02, 2010 at 18:48:57 user Kisered.


Ransome, the Teacher, tells us
in Swallowdale:

"When a thing's done, it's done,
and if it's not done right,
do it differently next time.
Worrying never made a sailor."

"We're all duffers sometimes,
but it's only now and
then we get found out."
Captain Flint (SD CH 8)

in WD CH2:

"Daddy always says, 'Grab a chance and you
won't be sorry for a might-have-been,'"
said Titty.


Upon reading the above from "We Didn't Mean
To Go To Sea" I am reminded of an old saying
that I cannot remember where it came from.
I am quoting here from some ancient memory,
and hope I have it right...


I'd Rather be a "Could-Be"
If I can not be an "Are"
because a "Could-Be" is a "Maybe"
who is reaching for a star.

I'd rather be a "Have-been"
than a "Might-Have-Been" by far,
for a "Might-Have-Been" has never been
but a "Have" was once an "Are!"

And speaking of quotes,
a recent radio broadcast from BBC
of "Swallows and Amazons" has in
its intro, the phrase "Messing
about in boats." This phrase
sounds like it should be a quote
from something Ransome wrote, but
it is from "Wind in the Willows""

`Nice? It's the only thing,' said the Water Rat solemnly, as he
leant forward for his stroke. `Believe me, my young friend,
there is nothing -- absolute nothing -- half so much worth doing
as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing,' he went on
dreamily: `messing -- about -- in -- boats; messing -- -- '

Ed Kiser, Kentucky


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