Politeness Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABABCDCE FGFGHHHH IBIBJGJG KLKLMNMN COCOPLPL LQLRSNSN| The English and the French were met | A |
| Upon the field of future battle | B |
| The foes were formidably set | A |
| And waiting for the guns to rattle | B |
| When from the serried ranks of France | C |
| The English saw with woeful presage | D |
| Under a flaming flag advance | C |
| A trumpeter who bore a message | E |
| - | |
| 'Twas from their Marshal quite polite | F |
| Yet made the English leader shiver | G |
| We're perched said he upon the height | F |
| While you're exposed beside the river | G |
| We have the vantage you'll agree | H |
| And your look out is melancholy | H |
| But being famed for courtesy | H |
| We'll let you fire the starting volley | H |
| - | |
| The English General was moved | I |
| In fact his eyes were almost tearful | B |
| Then he too his politeness proved | I |
| By writing back We are not fearful | B |
| Our England is too proud to take | J |
| The privilege you thrust upon her | G |
| So let your guns in thunder break | J |
| To you M'sieu shall be the houour | G |
| - | |
| Again a note the Marshall sent | K |
| By envoy for his battle station | L |
| Your spirit wins my compliment | K |
| Your courage my appreciation | L |
| Yet you are weak and we are strong | M |
| And though your faith is most inspiring | N |
| Don't let us linger all day long | M |
| Mon General begin the firing | N |
| - | |
| How chivalrous the soul of France | C |
| The English General reflected | O |
| I hate to take this happy chance | C |
| But I suppose it's what's expected | O |
| Politeness is a platitude | P |
| In this fair land of gallant foemen | L |
| So with a heart of gratitude | P |
| He primed his guns and cried Let's go men | L |
| - | |
| The General was puzzled when | L |
| No answer came said he What is it | Q |
| Why don't they give us hell And then | L |
| The herald paid another visit | R |
| The Marshall wrote to your salute | S |
| Please pardon us for not replying | N |
| To shatter you we cannot shoot | S |
| My men are dead and I am dying | N |
Robert Service
(1)
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