Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CUI BONO?, by HENRY CHAPPELL First Line: My lords and commons, in your place of trust Last Line: Seems quite the thing in teaching moderation. Subject(s): Nationalism - Germany; Politics & Government; War | ||||||||
MY Lords and Commons, in your place of trust, You should know best of all the Nation's need; And we will sacrifice, if so we must, The uttermost to aid you, word and deed. If it be vital for the Country's sake That you should play the landlord, it is well. We look to you to make the venture take The concrete form of ample shot and shell, And yet methinks ere catering for thirst, 'Twere better to have whacked the Germans first. If, on the other hand, you should decide On prohibition's drastic law to stand, So that it speeds the plough, we will abide Your wisdom's rule, and water out of hand. There's sure to be some grumbling for a time About a state of things so newly sprung On those who have no cellars filled with prime. But theresome folk would grumble to be hung, And lesser minds than yours might take the view That water's badat least for revenue. Perchance, the workers are a funny lot, And somewhat lacking in discrimination, They relish not at all the stigma sot You have bestowed on them by implication. There are black sheep, we know as well as you; The strenuous toiler's not to blame for that. To penalise the masses for a few Were Nasmyth hammers used to slay a gnat; And it is said that bibulous behaviour Is not confined to realms outside Belgravia. My Lords and Commons, if a strain sardonic Creep through these lines, the fault is yours alone: The lessening prospect of a modest tonic Does not conduce to cheerfulness of tone. But that apart, your battle cry of old Was "Trust the People," which was kind and nice. May I suggest (nor deem me over-bold) You take a little of your own advice. That "root-and-branch" threat too, on contemplation, Seems quite the thing in teaching moderation. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...I AM YOUR WAITER TONIGHT AND MY NAME IS DIMITRI by ROBERT HASS MITRAILLIATRICE by ERNEST HEMINGWAY RIPARTO D'ASSALTO by ERNEST HEMINGWAY WAR VOYEURS by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA THE DREAM OF WAKING by RANDALL JARRELL THE SURVIVOR AMONG GRAVES by RANDALL JARRELL SO MANY BLOOD-LAKES by ROBINSON JEFFERS |
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