The more things change...

[robkelk]

My emotion I well can remember
  O'er a "promise" that somewhere I'd seen
One night, away back in December
  Anno Domini 1918.
Happy tears in my orbs began wellin'
  As I read how the England-to-be
Would become a fit messuage to dwell in
      For heroes like me.

Refreshed by an access of ardour
  I returned to my business in town;
But, as life seemed each day to grow harder,
  I despaired of its joy and its crown;
Till, fed up with a "tale" for poor Tommies,
  My temper I finally lost,
And pronounced that oracular "promise"
      A palpable frost.

But I've tumbled at last to my error;
  For, although I am far from content,
I know that this era of terror
  Is just what the Government meant;
When through England so bell-like and clear rose
  That eager, that passionate vow;
Since none but a race of real heroes
    Can live in it now.

--Punch, December 1st, 1920, commenting on political promises