I have postponed the first game of my Waterloo mini-campaign three times. Work, family & just the general complications inherent in life. Whilst waiting for the elevator to take me to the underground car park, I engaged, as one does, in conversation with the porter.
Me
What three things does figure collecting especially provoke?
Porter
Marry, sir, figure-painting, frustration, and
empty bank accounts. Wargaming, sir, it provokes, and unprovokes;
it provokes the desire, but it takes
away the opportunity: therefore, many painted figures
may be said to be an equivocator with wargaming:
it makes one want to, and it mars him; there is always one more unit to ready;
it sets him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him,
and disheartens him; makes him stand his figures to, and
not, in the end stand them on the miniature battlefield
; in conclusion, equivocates him
in that he has the desire but not the time.
I acknowledged his homely wisdom, tipped him thruppence and wended my way home.
