azov
11-23-2003, 01:05 AM
Thought this little ditty might still have some heart-warming relevance in new days of battle and victory . . .
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Mussolini gave the order to advance against the foe
So forth to Abyssinia all the organ grinders go.
But now they are incapable of any sort of grind
For they're back from Abysinnia with their organs left behind.
The hordes of Abyssinia have returned to hearth and home,
With knick-knacks for the mantel-shelf imported straight from Rome.
While the Pope is inundated with requests to join the Choir
From men whose normal voices are at least an octave higher.
Mussolini mounts the rostrum as the regiments return
With the Unknown Eunuch's ashes in a truly Roman urn -
Says he - This State occasion for recognition truly calls
What shall we give the heroes - and the heroes answer - Balls!
-- Attributed to A. P. Herbert; as quoted in Tim Pat Coogan, "Eamon de Valera: The Man Who Was Ireland," p. 543.
==========================================
Mussolini gave the order to advance against the foe
So forth to Abyssinia all the organ grinders go.
But now they are incapable of any sort of grind
For they're back from Abysinnia with their organs left behind.
The hordes of Abyssinia have returned to hearth and home,
With knick-knacks for the mantel-shelf imported straight from Rome.
While the Pope is inundated with requests to join the Choir
From men whose normal voices are at least an octave higher.
Mussolini mounts the rostrum as the regiments return
With the Unknown Eunuch's ashes in a truly Roman urn -
Says he - This State occasion for recognition truly calls
What shall we give the heroes - and the heroes answer - Balls!
-- Attributed to A. P. Herbert; as quoted in Tim Pat Coogan, "Eamon de Valera: The Man Who Was Ireland," p. 543.