VIII
The mad are predators. Too often lately they harbour
against us. A novel heresy exculpates all maimed
souls. Abjure it! I am the King of Mercia, and
I know.
Theatened by phone-calls at midnight, venemous let-
ters, forewarned I have thwarted their imminent
devices.
Today I name them; tomorrow I shall express the new
law. I dedicate my awakening to this matter.
Geoffrey Hill, Mercian Hymns (1971)
Now that's my kind of King of Mercia.
