Alf’s 6. Bit
Alf’s 6. Bit - meaning Summary
False Authority and Power
The poem criticizes false expertise, publicity, and political theater. A lightweight, “lying” expert is praised and installed while real specialists—here a physicist or Dr. S—resist co-optation and bribery. The press and parliament amplify dishonest voices, perpetuating corrupt influence over time. Pound mocks the spectacle of reputation and the ease with which authority is manufactured, contrasting transient flattery and careerism with the stubborn integrity of someone not "snowed under."
Read Complete AnalysesLet some new lying ass, Who knows not what is or was, Talk economics, Pay for his witless noise, Get the kid nice new toys, Call him 'professor'. Lies from the specialist Give t'old ones a newer twist Harder to untie. Here comes the hired gang Blood on each tired fang Covered with lip-stick. 'Oh, what a charming man,' That's how the press blurb ran, 'Professor K s is.' Now they can't fire him. NO! they won't hire him. Still Dr. S 's Not tied to the ring around, Not quite snowed under. Being a physicist They can't quite bribe him: Oh, what a noise they made Those parliamentarians. Oh what a fuss they made Stirring the marmalade These parliamentarians Never an honest word In their dim halls was heard For more than a decade.
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