Sir, - Well, it's time for not one but two helpings of humble pie for yours truly. First of all, thank you, Eamon Sweeney (July 17th), for pointing out the error in my letter (July 12th). I never even noticed it but I don't think a new dictionary is the answer. Maybe a new pair of glasses. Or a new brain. Or both.
However, the above gaffe paled into insignificance on reading Oliver McGrane's letter (July 18th). On mature reflection, I now realise that of course Miss Dumpty was female. Her predilection for the wearing of boys' clothes, as depicted in all nursery rhyme books, did confuse me a tad, I must confess; but would a boy have had all the king's men running after him? Hopefully not.
And are we correct in presuming the title "Miss"? Absolutely - "Miss" she indubitably is, of that I am certain; for, if she had been happily married, as befits all nursery rhyme characters, is it not true that she would no longer have been an egg but a foetus? - Yours, etc.,
D. K. Henderson, Castle Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3.