Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/256

 Bitter hard her lovers toiled, Scandalous their payment,— Food forgot on trains derailed; Cattle-dung where fuel failed; Water where the mules had staled; And sackcloth for their raiment!

So she filled their mouths with dust And their bones with fever; Greeted them with cruel lies; Treated them despiteful-wise; Meted them calamities Till they vowed to leave her!

They took ship and they took sail, Raging, from her borders— In a little, none the less, They forgat their sore duresse, They forgave her waywardness And returned for orders!

They esteemed her favour more Than a Throne's foundation. For the glory of her face Bade farewell to breed and race— Yea, and made their burial-place Altar of a Nation!

Wherefore, being bought by blood, And by blood restored To the arms that nearly lost, She, because of all she cost, Stands, a very woman, most Perfect and adored!