Classic Poem

GRACE BEFORE MEAT

From the Gaelic

No man should be tempted
— To be greedy, and grumble
At the cup that he's emptied.
— Its meaning was humble;
Being only to offer
— A drink when he thirsted,
Yet the poor thing might suffer
— A death when he cursed it.

And that woman's ungrateful
— Who fails to encourage
A love like a plateful
— Of butter and porridge.
It cannot be venison
— Because she is angry;
Lacking its benison
— She'll live to go hungry.

Sure, the child in the cradle
— Has no call to be reckless,
Though his spoon is a ladle
— Of silver, and speckless.
Pride has but narrow bones;
— Maybe the pretty
Will end on his marrow bones
— Begging for pity.

Suppose, when you're lonely,
— There's naught in your kettles
But bread broken stonily
— And serpentish victuals.
Kneel down and be decent,
— Give grace to your Sovereign,
That your lives may be seasoned
— With honey and saffron.