The Englishman Poem by Gilbert Keith Chesterton

The Englishman

Rating: 2.6


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 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.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Paul Yates 28 February 2005

I am trying to locate the poem with the line ' the blood of englishmen have enriched the soil of many lands'. Any help would be appreciated.

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