I'm greedy by nature, and often in vain <br />Have lingered too long o'er the succulent hare, <br />Accepting the jelly, ignoring the pain, <br />Intent on receiving far more than my share. <br />I worship the plover's egg, tasty and rare, <br />And idolize fanciful French fricasses; <br />But what, darling dainties, with you can compare, <br />Soused salmon and lamb and young ducks and green peas? <br /> <br />I ask for real turtle, again and again-- <br />Observe the Lord Mayor's John Thomases stare! <br />For kitchen-recitals to Susan and Jane, <br />And powdered impertinence, what do I care? <br />I sit down to eat, and I vow and declare, <br />I'd honour a dish were it made of stewed bees, <br />Though loyal to you, should you chance to be there, <br />Soused salmon and lamb and young ducks and green peas. <br /> <br />I cherish a chef, be he Grecian or Dane; <br />I even can relish a collop of bear; <br />I love ev'ry calf--if it boasts a fine brain-- <br />And melt at a pullet, or even a pair. <br />Though gold's on the table and stately the fare, <br />I greet a grand entree with almost a sneeze <br />If you, dearest dainties, are sweet on the air-- <br />Soused salmon and lamb and young ducks and green peas. <br /> <br />L'envoi: <br /> <br />O Redcoats of England, who struggle and dare, <br />Your glory's a morsel no glutton can please; <br />My yearning is all for a soft-cushioned chair, <br />Soused salmon and lamb and young ducks and green peas.<br /><br />Norman Rowland Gale<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-ballade-of-the-glutton/
