A.P. Herbert
Old and effete—this Parliament!’ they cried,
The laughing lads who stand about outside
(Though now they ask the object of their mirth
To mend the world and reconstruct the earth).
But say, what other Parliament can claim
‘The more I lived the better I became’?
Musso was master when it made its bow:
But where is Signer Mussolini now?
This is the Parliament that stood at bay
With tyrant conquerors across the way.
This is the Parliament that never ran,
That worked in London with the working-man,
And quietly continued in debate
With bombs about or doodles at the gate;
That never let the chosen leader down,
Still gave him smiles when Fortune wore a frown;
Knew how to nudge, but studied not to nag,
And kept the cats discreetly in the bag.
Maybe, had Hitler such a faithful friend,
He would not be so very near the end.
Say what you will for blemish or for blame,
The Victory Parliament will be its name.
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Analysis (AI Assisted)
This poem presents a reflection on the resilience and steadfastness of the British Parliament during the Second World War, contrasting its endurance and adaptability to the fate of other regimes, particularly Mussolini’s fascist government. The speaker uses the image of young men mocking Parliament, calling it “old and effete,” yet subtly counters their criticism by highlighting the Parliament’s essential role during the war—a body that may have seemed outdated but proved crucial in overcoming tyranny.
The opening lines mock the “laughing lads” who dismiss Parliament as ineffective or antiquated, perhaps reflecting the young, idealistic generation that often disdains institutions they see as out of touch. They seek to “mend the world” and “reconstruct the earth,” yet this same youthful energy is ironically directed at an institution that, despite its age, proved to be resilient and functional during one of the most turbulent periods in history. There is an underlying tension between youthful impatience and the steady, sometimes stolid, but ultimately reliable nature of the established system.
The second stanza provides the core defense of Parliament, establishing a sense of continuity and strength over time. It claims that “the more I lived the better I became,” a line that elevates the institution’s experience and survival as a virtue. This idea is then linked to Mussolini’s downfall, suggesting that while the fascist regime had a strong leader, it ultimately lacked the enduring values and adaptability that kept British parliamentary democracy intact. The poem implies that the very structure of British governance, with its deliberative and steady processes, was more resilient and effective in the long run than the “showy” and charismatic leadership of Mussolini or Hitler.
As the poem progresses, the speaker praises the Parliament for its unwavering commitment during the war, despite the external threats it faced. The line “with bombs about or doodles at the gate” evokes the constant danger of the Blitz and the bombing campaigns, suggesting that Parliament continued to function in the face of imminent destruction. The metaphor of “keeping the cats discreetly in the bag” implies a calm, collected handling of internal and external crises, not giving in to panic or chaos, but still ensuring that necessary work got done.
The poem ultimately elevates the British Parliament as a symbol of quiet endurance and reliability, a sharp contrast to the flashy, destructive regimes of fascist leaders. The Victory Parliament is depicted as a steady force that, despite its imperfections, played a pivotal role in the eventual defeat of tyranny. There is an implicit critique of those who might call it “old and effete,” positioning the Parliament as a symbol of resilience that, though perhaps not glamorous, outlasted more flamboyant but fragile political systems.
In the closing lines, the poem presents the idea that perhaps if Hitler had a more dependable and steady ally like the British Parliament, his fate might have been different. The final line, “The Victory Parliament will be its name,” places the institution in a noble light, suggesting that its true value is only fully appreciated in hindsight, after the victory has been won.
The poem is a thoughtful tribute to the British parliamentary system during a time when its endurance was often tested, not just by the external threats of war but also by the internal challenges of governance. It also serves as a critique of those who dismiss institutions in favor of more radical or charismatic alternatives, suggesting that true strength lies in resilience, consistency, and the ability to adapt to the demands of a crisis.