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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CHOP-HOUSE IN THE ALLEY, by HENRY M. HYDE
First Line: Talk about old roman banquets
Last Line: When the paper's gone to press.
Subject(s): Houses; Memory
First Line: Talk about old roman banquets
Last Line: When the paper's gone to press.
Subject(s): Houses; Memory
TALK about old Roman banquets,
Blow about old Grecian feeds,
Where the ancient, paunchy warriors
Toasted their heroic deeds!
They were gustatory classics —
Still a longing I confess
For the chop-house in the alley
When the paper's gone to press.
Peacock's tongues are very dainty,
Served upon a golden plate,
Crowns of roses for the victors,
While the whipped barbarians wait!
Let old Horace sing their praises —
Still a longing I confess
For the chop-house in the alley
When the paper's gone to press.
There we sit for hours together,
Wit and laughter never fail.
Up from cellars dim and dusty
Yellow Henry brings the ale.
There we sit and chaff and banter —
Envy no old heathen's mess,
At the chop-house in the alley,
When the paper's gone to press.
Delve in problems philosophic —
How did Adam lose his rib?
What's the chance of war in Europe?
Has the Herald scooped the Trib?
Let the millionaire grow sadder,
While my credit grows no less
At the chop-house in the alley,
When the paper's gone to press.
Till, untimed by eyes that sparkle,
From the lake the sun leaps up,
And, 'mid many a roaring banter,
Big Steve drinks his stirrup-cup!
Those were days we all remember,
Those were nights we all must bless,
At the chop-house in the alley,
When the paper's gone to press.
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