The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel by John Betjeman
Poor Oscar…
The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel
By John Betjeman
He sipped at a weak hock and seltzer
As he gazed at the London skies
Through the Nottingham lace of the curtains
Or was it his bees-winged eyes?
To the right and before him Pont Street
Did tower in her new built red,
As hard as the morning gaslight
That shone on his unmade bed,
“I want some more hock in my seltzer,
And Robbie, please give me your hand—
Is this the end or beginning?
How can I understand?
“So you’ve brought me the latest Yellow Book:
And Buchan has got in it now:
Approval of what is approved of
Is as false as a well-kept vow.
“More hock, Robbie—where is the seltzer?
Dear boy, pull again at the bell!
They are all little better than cretins,
Though this is the Cadogan Hotel.
“One astrakhan coat is at Willis’s—
Another one’s at the Savoy:
Do fetch my morocco portmanteau,
And bring them on later, dear boy.”
A thump, and a murmur of voices—
(”Oh why must they make such a din?”)
As the door of the bedroom swung open
And TWO PLAIN CLOTHES POLICEMEN came in:
“Mr. Woilde, we ‘ave come for tew take yew
Where felons and criminals dwell:
We must ask yew tew leave with us quoietly
For this is the Cadogan Hotel.”
He rose, and he put down The Yellow Book.
He staggered—and, terrible-eyed,
He brushed past the plants on the staircase
And was helped to a hansom outside.
One of my favorite features of this site is the lovely selection of poems that I have never seen before and the astute selection of good versesfrom the poems. Some types of poetry are missing from even a very thorough literature education, and one gets a chance to meet them here. Humorous and satiric poems get short shrift in literature education. This poem is a perfect example.
Bron,
Thanks for the comment! I like variety and try to post all sorts of poems here, and I’m glad your like the selection. I’ve been doing this for a long time, so it’s nearly inevitable to end up with a wide selection!
P.S. I love humorous and satiric poems!
Thank you so much for sharing your selection. I chanced on the site while searching for a poem by Sir John Betjeman and I am so glad I did as I have now found some new and equally enjoyable poets.
As a matter of interest (I hope) I recently attended a performance of ballet based on several of Betjeman’s poems. Great choice of music, reader and clever choreography made it a most memorable evening’s entertainment.
Paddy,
Thanks for commenting. I haven’t read much of Betjeman’s poetry (just chanced across a few poems). I’m glad to hear that his work is being used creatively. I’m glad you enjoyed the ballet!
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