In a message dated 97-05-19 20:40:58 EDT, you write:
<< Martin wrote: >>-- or old French "escamper" from late Latin "ex-campare":
to flee the field of battle. A tempting description for some performances
of the Bees.<<
Except that in a real battle, the slain and otherwise-fallen don't get to
flee, do they?
>>
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And even if they try to quietly retreat....."the best laid plans o' mice and
men, gang aft aglie!"
My first experience with Bees, was as a last dance on an 'out of town'
programme. I had never done the dance, and as I read the cheat sheet decided
it would be a good one to ..."visit the bar"!! as the intro music
started...I left the hall. From the bar I heard the talk through etc and
wandered back into the hall to watch this unknown dance.
As I entered, I heard a cheer.... I looked around to see why they were
cheering. Well........of course they were one person short for a set for the
last dance. Panic took over as I heard the MC (who used to be a
friend....just kidding!) say "Elaine'll fill in the set!"
I was yanked into the set.... and the chord struck! I didn't even have time
to say "I have NO IDEA how to do this dance". It was not a pretty
sight!!!!!!! (Culloden....comes to mind!) Not too much blood....but bodies
everywhere! And since that fateful day, I have avoided Bees at all
costs.
It was a VERY humbling experience....
Elaine
Dale City, Va. USA
