"I Bring You Joy"

Anyone who has read the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian will recognize the expression: "I bring you joy."

It refers to the conveying of especially good news and is indicative of a close friendship.

Think of how many people you've encountered in life whose operative line could be "I bring you woe." Some others would have:

• "I bring you confusion."
• "I bring you disturbing rumors."
• "I bring you flattery."
• "I bring you whining."

The list could continue but you see the point. The Aubrey-Maturin novels are about a sea captain and a ship's doctor who form an unlikely friendship during the Napoleonic wars. They are fascinating as much for their depiction of human relationships as for the background of sea life and warfare.

The books are great and so is the expression. The line, and the good practices behind it, should be revived.