<i>"A Bill which has shocked the conscience of every Christian community <br />in Europe." -- Mr. F. E. Smith, on the Welsh Disestablishment Bill.</i> <br /> <br />Are they clinging to their crosses, <br />F. E. Smith, <br />Where the Breton boat-fleet tosses, <br />Are they, Smith? <br />Do they, fasting, trembling, bleeding, <br />Wait the news from this our city? <br />Groaning "That's the Second Reading!" <br />Hissing "There is still Committee!" <br />If the voice of Cecil falters, <br />If McKenna's point has pith, <br />Do they tremble for their altars? <br />Do they, Smith? <br /> <br />Russian peasants round their pope <br />Huddled, Smith, <br />Hear about it all, I hope, <br />Don't they, Smith? <br />In the mountain hamlets clothing <br />Peaks beyond Caucasian pales, <br />Where Establishment means nothing <br />And they never heard of Wales, <br />Do they read it all in Hansard -- <br />With a crib to read it with -- <br />"Welsh Tithes: Dr. Clifford answered." <br />Really, Smith? <br /> <br />In the lands where Christians were, <br />F. E. Smith, <br />In the little lands laid bare, <br />Smith, O Smith! <br />Where the Turkish bands are busy <br />And the Tory name is blessed <br />Since they hailed the Cross of Dizzy <br />On the banners from the West! <br />Men don't think it half so hard if <br />Islam burns their kin and kith, <br />Since a curate lives in Cardiff <br />Saved by Smith. <br /> <br />It would greatly, I must own, <br />Soothe me, Smith! <br />If you left this theme alone, <br />Holy Smith! <br />For your legal cause or civil <br />You fight well and get your fee; <br />For your God or dream or devil <br />You will answer, not to me. <br />Talk about the pews and steeples <br />And the cash that goes therewith! <br />But the souls of Christian peoples... <br />Chuck it, Smith!<br /><br />Gilbert Keith Chesterton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/antichrist-or-the-reunion-of-christendom-an-ode/
