  It was, I think, near Marble Arch, Or somewhere in the Park, A Socialist Once shook his fist And made this sage remark: The likes of you and me— Poor, underfed, Without a bed— In such a state should be. "When bloated aristocracy Grows daily wuss an' wuss. Why don't the rich Behave as sich An' give a bit to us? "They've carriages and flunkeys, Estates, an' lots of land. Why this should be, My friends," said he, "I fail to understand. "Why should they 'ave the bloomin' lot, When, as I've said before, It's understood This man's as good As that one is—or MORE? Is: Down with all the lot, Unless they share— It's only fair— With us what they have got!" * * * An Earl, who stood amongst the crowd, Was very much impressed. "Dear me," he said, And smote his head, "I really am distressed. "To think that all these many years I've lived so much at ease, With leisure, rank, Cash at the bank, And luxuries like these, "While, as this honest person says, Our class is all to blame That these have naught: We really ought To bow our heads in shame. My title I will drop, And then I'll go And live at Bow And keep a chandler's shop." * * * The Socialist he took the wealth The Earl put in his hands, And bought erewhile A house in style And most extensive lands. Was knighted (for some charity Judiciously bestowed); Within a year Was made a Peer; To fame was on the road. But do not think that Fortune's smiles From friends drew him apart, Or hint that rude Ingratitude Could dwell within his heart. The worthy Earl. Ah, no! Household supplies He often buys From his shop down at Bow.
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