Mad, But Not So Mad

Though our eye in recent seasons Has a wild and glassy glare, And we fail to offer reasons For the straws that deck our hair; There are certain consolations That are unction for the soul When we view the older nations Gone completely up the pole. We may be mad, but not so mad As others quite bereft Of reason. Though our case is sad, We've sparks of gumption left. For, while we have the art to see From this our island raft, How mad the other nations be That sail the economic sea, We're not completely daft. In regard to hops and butter, Wheat and sugar, things like these Our insanity is utter As evinced by subsidies. In regard to other matters, As events have proved today, We're not quite as mad as haters Or not so far anyway. And tho' our land's a troubled land, But few of us are found Making insane attempts to stand 'With ears upon the ground.' Contortionists might very well Attempt it without fear; But it must come of stuff they sell When Breweries, as judges tell, Are standing on their ears.