winterbadger | (no subject)

At the concert I went to last night (about which more later), one of the musicians, to cover while the cittern player replaced a string, was telling rather outlandish stories about their selections. When it became apparent that more stalling was needed to cover tuning time, he launched rather desperately into a joke (well, as desperately as can be conveyed by a clam, gentle, unhurried Scots brogue).

"So," he said, "the Queen as visiting Washington and taking tea with President Bush..."

In the story, the President suggests that he's been thinking about his legacy and trying to imagine how he can leave the US more magnificent than when he took office.

"I was thinking that I could make it an empire. Everyone talks about the American Empire!"

The Queen looked over her glasses at the President, coolly but kindly, and said "But to be an empire, you would need an emperor. And you, George, are no emperor."

Bush continued on boldly, "Well, maybe so, but we could at least be a kingdom! I hear some people call me King George already. I think it's a reference to some King George y'all had."

The Queen pursed her lips, "George, to be a kingdom, you still need a king. And you're really not a king."

The Texan brow furrowed, "Well, OK, but how about a principality? Maybe I could be a prince?"

With a wee glint in the Windsor eye, Her Majesty replied, "George, I think the US is fine as a country."

If you need visuals, try this article