It has come to my attention that a bishop, when dying, is compelled by law to bequeath his pack of dogs to the reigning monarch, for the sovereign’s free use and disposal.

Perhaps there is a legal expert among my readers who could confirm whether or no this sensible measure remains on the statute book. And if it does, I would be interested to know if it is possible to pursue, beyond the grave, any bishop who, before his last gasp, broke the law by not so bequeathing his pack of dogs. It seems to me that a prelate who sinned by breaking the law, even in his last extremity, ought to be pitched from his heavenly perch into the maw of hell.