Text of Belloc's Poem "Courtesy"

[Richard E. Freeman]

CTAC-CB Lists:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 25 May 1998 19:24:54 EDT
From: Patrick H O'Brien <pat-o...@juno.com>
To: rfre...@interaccess.com
Subject: "Richard E. Freeman" <rfre...@interaccess.com>: Courtesy (fwd)

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Dear Rich,

Here is Belloc's "Courtesy." The frequent capital letters are his.

Pat O'Brien
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Of Courtesy, it is much less
Than Courage of Heart or Holiness,
Yet in my Walks it seems to me
That the Grace of God is in Courtesy.

On Monks I did in Storrington fall,
They took me straight into their Hall;
I saw Three Pictures on a wall,
And Courtesy was in them all.

The first the Annunciation;
The second the Visitation;
The third the Consolation,
Of God that was Our Lady's Son.

The first was of St. Gabriel;
On Wings a-flame from Heaven he fell;
And as he went upon one knee
He shone with Heavenly Courtesy.

Our Lady out of Nazareth rode -
It was Her month of heavy load;
Yet was her face both great and kind,
For Courtesy was in Her Mind.

The third it was our Little Lord,
Whom all the Kings in arms adored;
He was so small you could not see
His large intent of Courtesy.

Our Lord, that was Our Lady's Son,
Go bless you, People, one by one;
My Rhyme is written, my work is done.

Moderator's Comment: Thanks very much. I'll make it available on the Belloc
Web Page.

ref