On Vital Statistics

Ill fares the land to hast'ning ills a prey (1)
Where wealth accumulates and men decay.'
But how much more unfortunate are those
Where wealth declines and population grows!

(1)This line is execrable; and I note it.
I quote it as the faulty poet wrote it.

Hilaire Belloc

Hilaire Belloc was an Anglo-French writer and historian, known for his poetry, essays, and children's books. Born on July 27, 1870, in France, he became a British citizen and was a prominent figure in early 20th-century British literature. Belloc was a devout Catholic, which significantly influenced his writings. He was a close friend of G.K. Chesterton and shared similar views on social and political issues. Belloc passed away on July 16, 1953, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary works.

Hilaire Belloc

The Dromedary

Hilaire Belloc, Simple Poetry

The Evenlode

Hilaire Belloc, Simple Poetry

Heretics All

Hilaire Belloc, Simple Poetry

The Night

Hilaire Belloc, Simple Poetry

English

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Who with a little cannot be content,
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These times strike monied worldlings with dismay:
Even rich men, brave by nature, taint the air
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While tens of thousands, thinking on the affray,
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I said of laughter: it is vain.
    Of mirth I said: what profits it?
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The Vanity Of All Worldly Things.

As he said vanity, so vain say I,
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Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
Where wealth accumulates and men decay.
--Goldsmith.


I fear the palace of the rich,
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More discontents I never had
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