OF COCOA
and certain old associations revived by a draught of this nutritious bean.
["The rate on cocoa is raised from 1-½d. to 6d. per lb." (Loud cheers). The Chancellor's Budget Speech.]
Now, ere the price thereof goes soaring up,
Ere yet the devastating tax comes in,
I wish to wallow in the temperate cup
(Loud cheers) that not inebriates, like gin;
Ho, waiter! bring me—nay, I do not jest—
A cocoa of the best!
Noblest of all non-alcoholic brews,
Rich nectar of the Nonconformist Press,
Tasting of Cadbury and The Daily News,
Of passive martyrs and the law's distress,
And redolent of the old narcotic spice
Of peace-at-any-price—
What memories, how intolerably sweet,
Hover about its fat and unctuous fumes!
Of Little England and a half-baked Fleet,
Of German friendship pure as vernal blooms,
And that dear country's hallowed right to dump
Things on us in the lump;
Of tropic isles whereon this beverage springs,
And niggers sweating out their pagan souls;
Of British workmen, flattered even as kings,
So to secure their suffrage at the polls;
Of liberty for all to go on strike
Just when and where they like.
I would renew these wistful dreams to-night;
For, since upon my precious nibs, when ground,
McKenna's minions, with to-morrow's light,
Will plant a tax of sixpence in the pound,
My sacred memories, cheap enough before,
Will clearly cost me more.
O. S.