The Paris Policeman
Vanity Fair (UK) (May 17, 1906)
[A policeman has been discovered in Paris who in his spare moments was an Anarchist.]
When the policeman is rejoicing in his leisure,
A time which might hang heavy on his hands,
He takes a most romantic sort of pleasure
As member of some Anarchistic bands.
To “remove” unpleasant people, when he’s picked ’em,
To him’s a task replete with quiet fun;
Yes, in spite of Mr Gilbert’s famous dictum,
A policeman’s lot is quite a happy one.
When he isn’t haling loafers to the station,
Or requesting stagnant crowds to pass along,
A pound of picric gives him recreation;
He flings it in amidst the busy throng.
With a smile upon his face that’s quite seraphic,
He wings a rising statesman with his gun:
And feels, as he manipulates the traffic,
That a gendarme’s lot is quite a happy one.