The Poetry Corner

Hildebrand

By Hilaire Belloc

Who was frightened by a Passing Motor, and was brought to Reason "Oh murder! What was that, Papa!" "My child, It was a Motor-Car, A most Ingenious Toy! Designed to Captivate and Charm Much rather than to rouse Alarm In any English Boy. "What would your Great Grandfather who Was Aide-de-Camp to General Brue, And lost a leg at Waterloo, And Quatre-Bras and Ligny too! And died at Trafalgar! What would he have remarked to hear His Young Descendant shriek with fear, Because he happened to be near A Harmless Motor-Car! But do not fret about it! Come! We'll off to Town And purchase some!"