The Ballad of the Anti-Puritan

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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?

© Gilbert Keith Chesterton