Random query

[sam_t]

The phrase "The Empire on which the sun never sets" is ringing vague Flanders and Swann bells for me at the moment, but I think that the phrase I'm remembering is "... on whom the sun never sets". If I'm correct, then the second phrase is obviously a pun on the first, but what is it referring to? Or have I just gone completely barmy?

Comments

[sam-t.livejournal.com]

I do, though, or at least I do in the sense that I know in which chapter of which book I have read it recently and where the book is - the down side being that it's back in the library. Grrr.

Anyway, what I was apparently remembering was Tried by the Centre Court (http://www.nyanko.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/fas/tried_tried.html) by Michael Flanders, which ends:

Wimbledon. June. Ladies' Singles, third round.
Groundsmen are asked, "How's the state of the ground?"
Players are photographed jumping the nets,
But here sits a figure one always forgets.
The Umpire upon whom the sun never sets!

Thanks anyway, though! (not meant to sound sarcastic)