Ballad For The Cambridge Election

By Thomas Moore

"I authorized my Committee to take the step which they did, of proposing a fair comparison of strength, upon the understanding that whichever of the two should prove to be the weakest, should give way to the other." --Extract from Mr. W. J. Bankes's Letter to Mr. Goulbourn. Bankes is weak, and Goulbourn too, No one e'er the fact denied;-- Which is "weakest" of the two, Cambridge can alone decide. Choose between them, Cambridge, pray, Which is weakest, Cambridge, say. Goulbourn of the Pope afraid is, Bankes, as much afraid as he; Never yet did two old ladies On this point so well agree. Choose between them, Cambridge, pray, Which is weakest. Cambridge, say. Each a different mode pursues, Each the same conclusion reaches; Bankes is foolish in Reviews, Goulbourn foolish in his speeches. Choose between them, Cambridge, pray, Which is weakest, Cambridge, say. Each a different foe doth damn, When his own affairs have gone ill; Bankes he damneth Buckingham, Goulbourn damneth Dan O'Connell. Choose between them, Cambridge, pray, Which is weakest, Cambridge, say. Once we know a horse's neigh Fixt the election to a throne, So whichever first shall bray Choose him, Cambridge, for thy own. Choose him, choose him by his bray, Thus elect him, Cambridge, pray. June, 1826.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry

More Poems

More Satiricals

Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:

This poem is an intriguing example of satirical verse, employing humor and irony to critique two figures from the political sphere: W. J. Bankes and Mr. Goulbourn. The poet uses the theme of weakness as an ongoing motif, creating a debate around which of the two men is the lesser, and leaves the final judgement to Cambridge. This recurring refrain creates a sense of rhythm and structure, giving the poem a playful, mocking tone.

The poem is rich in irony and satire. The poet likens the two politicians to “two old ladies” in perfect agreement, a clear attempt at humor through the use of unlikely comparisons. The repetition of the plea to Cambridge to decide who is weakest emphasizes the poet's scorn. The poet also cleverly employs the literary device of allusion, referencing historical events in which a horse's neigh and a bray determined leadership, further ridiculing the politicians' ineptitude.

In terms of structure, the poem follows a consistent rhyming scheme of AABB, supporting the satirical tone while creating a lighthearted and rhythmic read. The date at the end of the poem, June 1826, offers context and grounds the satire in a particular historical moment.

Overall, the poem is a biting satirical commentary on political figures of its time, using humor, irony, and pointed critique to expose perceived weaknesses and follies. The poet's choice of structure and repeated refrains work together to create a playful, yet sharply critical piece of political commentary.