They spoke of Progress spiring round, <br /> Of light and Mrs Humphrey Ward-- <br /> It is not true to say I frowned, <br /> Or ran about the room and roared; <br /> I might have simply sat and snored-- <br /> I rose politely in the club <br /> And said, `I feel a little bored; <br /> Will someone take me to a pub?' <br /> <br /> The new world's wisest did surround <br /> Me; and it pains me to record <br /> I did not think their views profound, <br /> Or their conclusions well assured; <br /> The simple life I can't afford, <br /> Besides, I do not like the grub-- <br /> I want a mash and sausage, `scored'-- <br /> Will someone take me to a pub? <br /> <br /> I know where Men can still be found, <br /> Anger and clamorous accord, <br /> And virtues growing from the ground, <br /> And fellowship of beer and board, <br /> And song, that is a sturdy cord, <br /> And hope, that is a hardy shrub, <br /> And goodness, that is God's last word-- <br /> Will someone take me to a pub? <br /> <br /> Envoi <br /> Prince, Bayard would have smashed his sword <br /> To see the sort of knights you dub-- <br /> Is that the last of them--O Lord <br /> Will someone take me to a pub?<br /><br />Gilbert Keith Chesterton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-ballad-of-the-anti-puritan-2/
