For Bill Tydeman

Farewell, dear Bill, we’ll miss your playful wit

That raised our hearts with rhymes so fit

For all occasions through the year,

Parties, Examiners’ visits and Christmas cheer,

With learned metres such as Chaucer framed

Or Tennyson sang the fate of the Light Brigade.

Your verve enkindled the dramatic page

Whenever you trod the variety stage.

Greener shone the god’s eye hymned by you

And deeper mourned the maid for Mad Carew.

As Dramaturge you cast from far and wide

And staff and students’ functions unified.

What Miracles you wrought on consecrated ground

When God and Devil moved at your command!

You served when scholars shone their light abroad

And joyous learning could to all afford,

Not miserably held to learning outcome’s letter

As mechanical ‘best practice’ stifles better.

We that are left will remember you

As of that better time a spirit true.