CHANT PAGAN, (ALTER KIPLING)

...Me—I've been cheering too much And I think I will quit it right here, Me...

...And I think that the voice you will hear Will be more of a growl than a cheer...

...Yes, I think I'll untangle the plot, If it's only my fancy or not That the pomp and the pageants and pride Are yokes on the necks of the poor, And I think I will throw them aside —For I think that's the dose that will cure Me...

...Why should I bear it, I say...

...ME THAT have paid for it all The wars and the pomp and the fame, I am thinking my share is too small I am sick of the Great and their game...

...ME THAT must watch while they spoil My sons and my daughters with toil Me that must live in a slum —Courtesy of Collier's Down-driven to squalor and rum, I was asked to huzza and to shout At the King on his red-guarded route At the Lord and the Earl and the Squire Who are keeping me down in the mire, But—my cheering is over and soon I will shout to a different tune, Me...

...Chant Pagan (After Kipling) By Berton Braley (THE COMMON MAN'S REFLECTIONS ON THE CORONATION) (The King and Queen were much chagrined at the lack of enthusiasm shown by the people.—News Item...

...ME THAT have toiled through this life Year after year without end, No time for my children or wife And never an hour for a friend, I am taxed for a glorious show, A burden to bend me more low, And the idlers and wasters and such Say, "Why don't you give us a cheer...

...How could I ever take on With pomp of an age that is gone, With jewels and soldiers and kings And all of such age-honored things Knowing that all this display Is taken from me—and I pay...

...ME THAT have borne what I've borne, Me that have known what I've known, Me that's been trampled and torn Taught to be patient—and groan, Me that have wearied at last Stirred by a discontent vast...