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Poem
March 9, 1915
The Tacoma Times
Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington
What is this article about?
The poem uses boxing slang to satirically describe unexpected defeats of historical conquerors—Bonaparte, Caesar, Cornwallis, and Alexander—as a cautionary tale for 'the Smoke.'
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
WHITE HOPES O' HISTORY
Battling Bonaparte was touted As an easy snap to win,
But a raw and rank outsider Slipped a wallop to his chin.
Julius Caesar with the Romans Looked to be a life-long cinch,
But a runner-up named Brutus Caught him duck from a clinch.
Once the British hope Cornwallis Was believed to have a clout,
But a beggar no one 'eard of Put the blooming blighter out.
Alexander had them guessing, And the world ran shy of hopes;
Till a bonehead dropped him neatly Underneath the tightened ropes.
Battling Bonaparte was shifty, Julius Caesar had a punch;
Lord Cornwallis was a wonder In the old-time fighting bunch;
Alexander, too, was skillful, But it's stringing out a joke,
When you try to flash their records As a warning for the Smoke.
Battling Bonaparte was touted As an easy snap to win,
But a raw and rank outsider Slipped a wallop to his chin.
Julius Caesar with the Romans Looked to be a life-long cinch,
But a runner-up named Brutus Caught him duck from a clinch.
Once the British hope Cornwallis Was believed to have a clout,
But a beggar no one 'eard of Put the blooming blighter out.
Alexander had them guessing, And the world ran shy of hopes;
Till a bonehead dropped him neatly Underneath the tightened ropes.
Battling Bonaparte was shifty, Julius Caesar had a punch;
Lord Cornwallis was a wonder In the old-time fighting bunch;
Alexander, too, was skillful, But it's stringing out a joke,
When you try to flash their records As a warning for the Smoke.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Ballad
What themes does it cover?
War Military
Political
What keywords are associated?
Bonaparte
Caesar
Cornwallis
Alexander
Historical Defeats
Boxing Metaphor
Satire
Poem Details
Title
White Hopes O' History
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Battling Bonaparte Was Touted As An Easy Snap To Win,
But A Raw And Rank Outsider Slipped A Wallop To His Chin.
Lord Cornwallis Was A Wonder In The Old Time Fighting Bunch;
But It's Stringing Out A Joke,
When You Try To Flash Their Records As A Warning For The Smoke.