The Parish Pump (a Ballade). (Rhymes for the Tim

Name: The Parish Pump (a Ballade). (Rhymes for the Times)
Author: Harry Graham

This poem is a satirical commentary on rural life and the social hierarchy of the time. It portrays the Parish Pump as a gathering place for gossip and social climbing, where people from different classes interact and compete with each other. The poem uses humor and irony to critique the pretensions and superficiality of the characters.

By Harry Graham · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Historical · 379 words

First lines

['The parish pump is the best friend of the teacher of history, and the man who, on the basis of Imperialism, sneers at the parish pump, does not know what he is talking about. ' -- Canon MASTERMAN.]

The pedagogue his desk may thump And lecture, with a skill profound, On Parliaments called 'Long' or 'Rump,' On Scone (where Scottish kings were crowned); On butts of Malmsey wine which drowned The Prince who chanced therein to jump; On Richard, Gloucester's Duke, renowned For having a perpetual 'hump';

What this Textopian page supports

The Parish Pump (a Ballade). (Rhymes for the Times) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Harry Graham, dated 1907 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Harry Graham
Date: 1907 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Historical, Political, Humor
Length: 379 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured as a ballade, a form of verse, and employs rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Satire — The text uses humor and irony to critique societal norms and historical events, characteristic of satirical writing.
Historical — References to historical figures and events, such as King John and the Magna Carta, are central to the narrative.
Political — The poem discusses themes of imperialism and governance, reflecting political commentary.