On Harry Gordon Selfridge

In the Style of Hilaire Belloc

When Harry Selfridge crossed the sea,
He brought to London’s shops a key:
“Excite the mind!” he gaily cried,
“And watch the pocket open wide.”

He bowed to guests, both rich and poor,
Though some would buy, and some ignore.
“Remember well,” he said with might,
“The customer is always right!”

“The Boss commands with frown and fear,
The Leader draws his people near.
The Boss says ‘Go!’ with whip in hand,
The Leader says, ‘We’ll walk as planned.’”

And so his store became a school,
Where goodwill was the only rule.
For quality, though dear in cost,
Outlives the price when price is lost.

He worked by day, he schemed by night,
His rival haunted every sight:
“Imagine him with devil’s grin—
What trick prepares to do me in?”

Yet from this thought no gloom arose,
But ceaseless toil and bright repose.
“There are no hard times,” he declared,
“When good ideas are well prepared.”

Thus Selfridge built with wit and art,
A temple to the shopper’s heart.
And though the years have dimmed his name,
The Leader’s creed endures the same.