Merrie England

Don’t smile in the street

or someone you meet

of the opposite sex

(or even the same)

may think you mean them.

England Suspects.

If seized with a laugh

conceal it in cough.

Of course we have humour,

but laughing aloud

is odd in a crowd

and gives rise to rumour.

Don’t talk in a train

unless to complain.

Veil up your soul:

don’t weep at the play

or someone may say

“He’s no self-control.”

This respectable curse

is laid on us: worse

than women or drink

is laughter, is sobbing.

Who killed Cock Robin?

Cromwell, I think.

Victoria busily

stamped the grave Wesley

and others had filled;

but Cromwell (and Charles

the foolish and false)

they it was killed.