I remember reading Earthly Powers by Burgess 30 odd years ago and the protagonist, in his 80's, confesses he can no longer even hear the word 'loyalty' without weeping copiously. I found it ridiculous at the time but now being closer to 70 than 60 I fully understand.
It's a getting old thing C and seems to afflict all men of depth and intellect such as we. You need only worry about becoming a Brighton Cowboy if you discover yourself sucking more cocks than usual.
Seen, H. Burden's a heavy load, there is no doubt.
"Plenty of strikers can score goals," he said, gesturing to the famous old stands casting shadows around us.
"But a lot have found it difficult wearing the number 9 shirt for The Arsenal."