The Dynasts by Thomas Hardy
page 56 of 1016 (05%)
page 56 of 1016 (05%)
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And circles into full utility?
The motion of the honourable gentleman Reminds me aptly of a publican Who should, when malting, mixing, mashing's past, Fermenting, barrelling, and spigoting, Quick taste the brew, and shake his sapient head, And cry in acid voice: The ale is new! Brew old, you varlets; cast this slop away! (Cheers.) But gravely, sir, I would conclude to-night, And, as a serious man on serious things, I now speak here. . . . I pledge myself to this: Unprecedented and magnificent As were our strivings in the previous war, Our efforts in the present shall transcend them, As men will learn. Such efforts are not sized By this light measuring-rule my critic here Whips from his pocket like a clerk-o'-works! . . . Tasking and toilsome war's details must be, And toilsome, too, must be their criticism,-- Not in a moment's stroke extemporized. The strange fatality that haunts the times Wherein our lot is cast, has no example. Times are they fraught with peril, trouble, gloom; We have to mark their lourings, and to face them. Sir, reading thus the full significance Of these big days, large though my lackings be, Can any hold of those who know my past That I, of all men, slight our safeguarding? |
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