Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ODE TO THE PRICE OF WALES; INVITING ... TO A COUNTRY COTTAGE, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ODE TO THE PRICE OF WALES; INVITING ... TO A COUNTRY COTTAGE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O prince of wales!
Last Line: A hamlet is n't much without a prince!
Subject(s): Edward Vii, King Of England (1841-1910)


O PRINCE of Wales!
Unless my judgment fails,
You've found your recent travel rather dreary;
I don't expect an answer to the query, --
But are n't you getting weary?
Weary of Bells, and Balls, and grand Addresses?
Weary of Military and their messes?
Weary of adulation and caresses?
Weary of shouts from the admiring masses?
Weary of worship from the upper classes?
Weary of horses, may'rs, and asses?
Of course't was kindly meant, --
But don't you now repent
Your good Mamma's consent
That you should be,
This side the sea,
The "British Lion" which you represent?
Pray leave your city courtiers and their capers,
And come to us; we've no pictorial papers;
And no Reporters to distort your nose;
Or mark the awkward carriage of your toes;
Your style of sneezing, and such things as those;
Or, meaner still, in democratic spite,
Measure your Royal Highness by your height!

Then come to us!
We're not the sort of folk to make a fuss,
E'en for the PRESIDENT; but then, my boy,
We plumply promise you a special joy,
To Princes rarely known,
And one you'll never find about a throne,
To wit, the bliss of being let alone!
No scientific bores from Athenaeums;
No noisy guns, nor tedious te-deums,
Shall vex your Royal Highness for a minute;
A glass of lemonade, with "something in it,"
A fragrant meerschaum, with the morning news,
Or sweet Virginia "fine-cut," if you choose, --
These, and what else your Highness may demand
Of simple luxury, shall be at hand,
And at your royal service. Come!
O come where you may gain
(What advertisers oft have sought in vain)
"The comforts of a home"!
Come, Prince of Wales! we greatly need
Your royal presence, Sir, -- we do indeed:
For why? we have a pretty hamlet here,
But then, you see, 't is equally as clear
(Your Highness understands Shakesperian hints)
A Hamlet is n't much without a Prince!





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