anti-puritan
by Chesterton · Cluster: Wine and Drink · Ballad Ballade · Road
Abstract
A ballade with refrain (‘Will someone take me to a pub?’) mocking earnest Progressive reformers and celebrating fellowship, beer and the common man. Themes: satire of society, the common man, anti-puritanism, fellowship.
Testo / Text
Connections
Topoi: Ubi Sunt
Characters: Mrs Humphrey Ward, Bayard
Motifs: Wine and Drink, Inn Tavern, Food and Feasting Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society, Common Man, Critique of Progress, Comradeship Forms & Genres: Ballad Ballade, Satire Historical References: Puritanism
Testo integrale / Full text
A Ballade Of An Anti-puritan
They spoke of Progress spiring round,
Of light and Mrs Humphrey Ward—
It is not true to say I frowned,
Or ran about the room and roared;
I might have simply sat and snored—
I rose politely in the club
And said, `I feel a little bored;
Will someone take me to a pub?’
The new world’s wisest did surround
Me; and it pains me to record
I did not think their views profound,
Or their conclusions well assured;
The simple life I can’t afford,
Besides, I do not like the grub—
I want a mash and sausage, `scored’—
Will someone take me to a pub?
I know where Men can still be found,
Anger and clamorous accord,
And virtues growing from the ground,
And fellowship of beer and board,
And song, that is a sturdy cord,
And hope, that is a hardy shrub,
And goodness, that is God’s last word—
Will someone take me to a pub?
Envoi
Prince, Bayard would have smashed his sword
To see the sort of knights you dub—
Is that the last of them—O Lord
Will someone take me to a pub?