- ST George he was for England.
- And before he killed the dragon
- He drank a pint of English ale
- Out of an English flagon.
- For though he fast right readily
- In hair-shirt or in mail.
- It isn't safe to give him cakes
- Unless you give him ale.
- St George he was for England,
- And right gallantly set free
- The lady left for dragon's meat
- And tied up to a tree;
- But since he stood for England
- And knew what England means,
- Unless you give him bacon
- You mustn't give him beans.
- St George he is for England,
- And shall wear the shield he wore
- When we go out in armour
- With the battle-cross before.
- But though he is jolly company
- And very pleased to dine,
- It isn't safe to give him nuts
- Unless you give him wine.
- G. K. Chesterton
Mary in the Old and New Testaments: The Overshadowed and Unhewn Mountain
-
Hail, O Theotokos, Maiden of many names: Tabernacle, Vessel of Manna,
Table, Lampstand that bears the Light, burning Bush, overshadowed Mountain
of God! (f...
2 hours ago
No.
ReplyDeleteUm. Is he being funny about typical English food that *has* to go together? Like bacon and eggs, and rhubarb and custard.Linking these typical food pairings with Englishness, endorsed by St George of course.
ReplyDeleteClare,
ReplyDeleteThank you. I think you are right! It also seems fairly clear now, that he is not speaking of the real St George but of the figure of popular myth as seen on numerous "George and Dragon" pub signs.