Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/651

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 633

That we, the children of their heart,

Which then did beat so high, In later time should play like part

For our posterity.

A thousand years they steadfast built,

To 'vantage us and ours, The Walls that were a world's despair,

The sea-constraining Towers: Yet in their midmost pride they knew,

And unto Kings made known, Not all from these their strength they drew,

Their faith from brass or stone.

Youth's passion, manhood's fierce intent,

With age's judgment wise, They spent, and counted not they spent,

At daily sacrifice. Not lambs alone nor purchased doves

Or tithe of trader's gold Their lives most dear, their dearer loves,

They offered up of old.

Refraining e'en from lawful things,

They bowed the neck to bear The unadorned yoke that brings

Stark toil and sternest care. Wherefore through them is Freedom sure;

W 7 herefore through them we stand, From all but sloth and pride secure,

In a delightsome land.

Then, fretful, murmur not they gave

So great a charge to keep, Nor dream that awestruck Time shall save

Their labour while we sleep.