Pioneers, O Pioneers / Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Nebuchadnezzar the King of the Jews Suffered from new and original views, He crawled on his hands and knees, it's said, With grass in his mouth and a crown on his head. With a wowtyiddly, etc. Those in traditional paths that trod Thought the thing was a curse from God, But a Pioneer men always abuse Like Nebuchadnezzar the King of the Jews. Black Lord Foulon the Frenchman slew Thought it a Futurist thing to do. He offered them grass instead of bread. So they stuffed him with grass when they cut off his head. With a wowtyiddly, etc. For the pride of his soul he perished then-- But of course it is always of Pride that men, A Man in Advance of his Age accuse, Like Nebuchadnezzar the King of the Jews. Simeon Scudder of Styx, in Maine, Thought of the thing and was at it again. He gave good grass and water in pails To a thousand Irishmen hammering rails. With a wowtyiddly, etc. Appetites differ; and tied to a stake He was tarred and feathered for Conscience' Sake. But stoning the prophets is ancient news, Like Nebuchadnezzar the King of the Jews.