Verses to a Lord who, in the House of Lords, Sai
The poem critiques the notion that those who oppose war are motivated by greed rather than patriotism. It argues that this characterization is a false dichotomy and an insult to those who genuinely care about the welfare of soldiers. The speaker asserts that true patriots prioritize the well-being of their country's citizens, including its soldiers, over financial gain.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Political Satire, Historical · 218 words
First lines
You thought because we held, my lord, / An ancient cause and strong, / That therefore we maligned the sword: / My lord, you did us wrong.
We also know the sacred height / Up on Tugela side, / Where those three hundred fought with Beit / And fair young Wernher died.
The daybreak on the failing force, / The final sabres drawn: / Tall Goltman, silent on his horse, / Superb against the dawn.
The little mound where Eckstein stood / And gallant Albu fell, / And Oppenheim, half blind with blood, / Went fording through the rising flood -- / My Lord, we know them well.
What this Textopian page supports
Verses to a Lord who, in the House of Lords, Said that those who Opposed the South African Adventure Confused Soldiers with Money-Grubbers is listed on Textopian as an essay by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Satire, Historical, War, Social Commentary
- Length: 218 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Verses to a Lord who, in the House of Lords, Said that those who Opposed the South African Adventure Confused Soldiers with Money-Grubbers by Hilaire Belloc
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its message.
- Political Satire — The poem critiques political figures and their actions, using irony and wit to highlight perceived injustices.
- Historical — References to specific historical events and figures, such as battles and individuals involved in the South African conflict, are central to the poem's content.
- War — Themes of military conflict and the consequences of war are prominent throughout the poem.
Tags
Satire · Poetry · Politics · Social Commentary · Critique · Anti-War · Anti-Colonialism · South African History · British Politics · House of Lords · Military Industrial Complex · Economic Critique