So many good things in its net
A chequered history – now let's see
How many countries it can be!
Leuven and Brabant Lords gave way
When the Dukes of Burgundy held sway
They too died out; we fell to Spain
Then the Austrian Hapsburgs laid a claim.
A war ensued, then years of peace
A short time under a French lease,
A Treaty then the Dutch came back;
The Belgians, tired of foreign flak,
Rose up, rebelled and fought as one
From the Opera they all run...
William's army melts away;
At last! They rule the roost their way.
A constitutional oath is sworn*
A young and brand new nation born
King Leopold ascends the throne
Belgium henceforth rules – alone!
(c) Poet in the woods 2015
*21st July 1831
Thank you Sarah. Such a pleasant way to learn Belgian history. Robert G
ReplyDeleteThe history of Belgium in 5 paragraphs. The power of poetry!
ReplyDeleteA concise 20 lines to learn Belgium's history. Thanks, Sarah, I should try to memorize it!!
ReplyDelete