I'm no great fan of Druids, particularly the Wiltshire set who always seem to be claiming far too much for themselves in terms of their presence in, and influence on, \u00a0antiquity, and even pre-history. \u00a0Time spent in the museum in English Heritage's rather good Stonehenge visitor centre will dispel all illusions on that score.<\/p>\n
But, being wrong about some things doesn't mean that they have to be wrong about everything, and I think I have fallen into this trap on a number of issues which makes me think that a further\u00a0look at their claims is warranted \u2013 well, up to a point.<\/p>\n
One such point is certainly their view that the human bones that English Heritage have on display at Stonehenge ought to be re-interred. \u00a0Whilst I reject the Druidic claim to kinship with these bones, I have come to the view that they are right about interment. \u00a0What changed my mind about this were two lines in a poem which I read recently. \u00a0This is by John Meade Falkner with the title: Selibra Cineris Coacta Cani<\/em>, which translates (I'm told) as 'Reduced to half a pound of white ash'; that being all we all end up as, one way or another.<\/p>\n The poem is the story of an antiquarian dig in Dorset where the bones and funery items of a Celtic-British\u00a0fighter\u00a0are found, and dug up for display. \u00a0However, the bones proved too fragile to be handled, hence the\u00a0half a pound of white ash, and ...<\/p>\n Poor chief! \u00a0and so his frame was spared In some museum hall, a prize I read this and immediately\u00a0questioned my view of English Heritage and 'its' bones. \u00a0So, \u00a0shame on you, English Heritage, despite your\u00a0being fully in tune with\u00a0contemporary museum practice \u2013 and well done Druids for reminding us of what's right in simple human terms.<\/p>\n NOTE<\/p>\n
\nThe last indignity of death,
\nTo lie with bones set fair and squared,
\nWith glass above and cloth beneath.<\/p>\n
\nOf fallen faiths and people gone,
\nFor rustic loons with open eyes
\nTo gape and gaze and laugh upon.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n