Today is the Solemnity of Saint George

[thomryng]

...and somehow, this seemed appropriate.

The Englishman

Saint George he was for England.
And before he killed the dragon
He drank a pint of English ale
Out of an English flagon.
For though he fast right readily
In hair-shirt or in mail.
It isn't safe to give him cakes
Unless you give him ale.

Saint George he was for England,
And right gallantly set free
The lady left for dragon's meat
And tied up to a tree;
But since he stood for England
And knew what England means,
Unless you give him bacon
You mustn't give him beans.

Saint George he is for England,
And shall wear the shield he wore
When we go out in armour
With the battle-cross before.
But though he is jolly company
And very pleased to dine,
It isn't safe to give him nuts
Unless you give him wine.

(G.K. Chesterton)

Comments

[vonjunzt.livejournal.com]

St. George was Lebanese!

[thomryng.livejournal.com]

Though he was martyred in Lydda (which is actually in modern Israel), wouldn't George have technically been Roman?

[vonjunzt.livejournal.com]

Lydda? Lydda, oh Lydda, oh have you seen Lydda?

I suppose he would be, especially since he was a soldier. But then you start getting into questions of citizenship -- Jesus wasn't a Roman.

Incidentally, have you ever heard the story of how St. George came to be patron of England? It had something to do with an apparition aiding English Crusaders. I don't remember the details, but I remember enjoying it immensely.