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/a-ballade-of-an-anti-puritan/
