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1874–1936

FRANCE

Harry Graham

The natives here remark‘ Mon Dieu!’ ‘ Que voulez-vous?’‘ Comment ca va?’ ‘ Sapristi! Par exemple! Un peu!’ ‘ Tiens donc! Mais qu'est-ce que c'est que ca?’

They shave one portion of their dogs, And live exclusively on frogs. They get excited very quick, And crowds will gather before long

If you should stand and wave your stick And shout,‘ A bas le Presidong!’ Still more amusing would it be To say,‘ Conspuez la Patrie!’

The French are so polite, you know, They take their hats off very well, And, should they tread upon your toe, Remark,‘ Pardon, Mademoiselle!’

And you would gladly bear the pain To see them make that bow again. Their ladies too have got a way Which even curates can n't resist;

‘ Twould make an Alderman feel gay Or soothe a yellow journalist; And then the things they say are so Extremely — well, in fact,— you know!

The closest scrutiny can find No morals here of any kind.

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FRANCE · Harry Graham · Poetry Cove