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)