FIFTY YEARS ON

When I was nine-and-forty
   I heard wise Frenchmen say,
"Give notes and pounds and euros
   But not good faith away;
Give votes away and vetoes
   But keep your honour free."
But I was nine-and-forty
   And George Bush talked to me.

When I was nine-and-forty
   I heard men say again,
"The lie that launches war's crime
   Is ever told in vain;
'Tis paid in blood for all time
   And sullies every vow."
And I am ten-and-forty,
And who believes me now?

                    (Apologies to A. E. Housman)