'Twas in a pub in Battersea <br /> They call the "Rose and Crown," <br />Quite suddenly, it seemed to me, <br /> The Lord was looking down; <br />The Lord was looking from above, <br /> And shiny was His face, <br />And I was filled with gush of love <br /> For all the human race. <br /> <br />Anon I saw three ancient men <br /> Who reckoned not of bliss, <br />And they looked quite astonished when <br /> I gave them each a kiss. <br />I kissed each on his balding spot <br /> With heart of Heaven grace . . . <br />And then it seemed there was a lot <br /> Of trouble round the place. <br /> <br />They had me up before the beak, <br /> But though I told my tale, <br />He sentanced me to spend a week <br /> In Yard of Scotland Gaol. <br />So when they kindly set me free <br /> Please don't think it amiss, <br />If Battling Bill of Battersea, <br /> For love of all humanity <br /> Gives you a kiss.<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/slugging-saint/