Living

The Englishman

by G. K. Chesterton 1874–1936

From Wine, Water and Song (1915)

LivingHistory & Politics

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.

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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.

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/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by G. K. Chesterton