Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A BALLAD OF AN ANTI-PURITAN, by GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A BALLAD OF AN ANTI-PURITAN, by                 Poet's Biography
First Line: They spoke of progress spiring round
Last Line: Will someone take me to a pub?
Alternate Author Name(s): Chesterton, G. K.
Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Cynicism; Puritans; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons


THEY spoke of Progress spiring round,
Of Light and Mrs. Humphry Ward --
It is not true to say I frowned,
Or ran about the room and roared;
I might have simply sat and snored --
I rose politely in the club
And said, "I feel a little bored;
Will someone take me to a pub?"

The new world's wisest did surround
Me; and it pains me to record
I did not think their views profound,
Or their conclusions well assured;
The simple life I can't afford,
Besides, I do not like the grub --
I want a mash and sausage, "scored" --
Will someone take me to a pub?

I know where Men can still be found,
Anger and clamorous accord,
And virtues growing from the ground,
And fellowship of beer and board,
And song, that is a sturdy cord,
And hope, that is a hardy shrub,
And goodness, that is God's last word --
Will someone take me to a pub?

ENVOI
Prince, Bayard would have smashed his sword
To see the sort of knights you dub --
Is that the last of them -- O Lord!
Will someone take me to a pub?





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