Drinking Dirge by Hilaire Belloc
The poem is a lamentation of the decline of traditional values and the rise of modernity. It describes a world where people are more concerned with material possessions than with spiritual pursuits. The speaker laments the loss of innocence and the corruption of society, comparing it to a dirge or a funeral march.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nostalgic · 315 words
First lines
A thousand years ago I used to dine / In houses where they gave me such regale / Of dear companionship and comrades fine / That out I went alone beyond the pale; / And riding, laughed and dared the skies malign / To show me all the undiscovered tale -- / But my philosophy's no more divine, / I put my pleasure in a pint of ale.
And you, my friends, oh! pleasant friends of mine, / Who leave me now alone, without avail, / On Californian hills you gave me wine, / You gave me cider-drink in Longuevaille; / If after many years you come to pine / For comradeship that is an ancient tale -- / You'll find me drinking beer in Dead Man's Chine.
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential reflections and the search for meaning in companionship and simple pleasures.
- Nostalgic — The text reflects on past experiences and friendships, evoking a sense of longing for bygone times.
- Travel — There are references to journeys and exploration, both literal and metaphorical, across various locations.
Tags
Poetry · Satire · Social Commentary · Dark Humor · Critique of Society · Alcoholism · Mortality · Existential Crisis · Philosophical Themes · Literary Satire · Absurdity · Irony
What this Textopian page supports
Drinking Dirge is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nostalgic, Travel, Social Commentary
- Length: 315 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Drinking Dirge by Hilaire Belloc
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