Living
The Englishman
From Wine, Water and Song (1915)
St. George he was for England,
And before he killed the dragon
He drank a pint of English ale
Out of an English flagon.
For though he fast right readily
In hair-shirt or in mail,
It isn't safe to give him cakes
Unless you give him ale.
St. George he was for England,
And right gallantly set free
The lady left for dragon's meat
And tied up to a tree;
But since he stood for England
And knew what England means,
Unless you give him bacon
You mustn't give him beans.
St. George he is for England,
And shall wear the shield he wore
When we go out in armour
With the battle-cross before.
But though he is jolly company
And very pleased to dine,
It isn't safe to give him nuts
Unless you give him wine.
Codex Note
A comic rhyme on St George, 'for England', who 'drank a pint of English ale / Out of an English flagon'. He should not be given cakes without ale, beans without bacon, or nuts without wine.
Cite this poem
MLA
Chesterton, G. K. “The Englishman.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/chesterton/30/.
Chicago
Chesterton, G. K. “The Englishman.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/chesterton/30/.
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