Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/777

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 759

More bitter than death this day must prove

Whichever way it go, For the brothers of the maids we love

Make ready to lay low Their sisters' sweethearts, as we move

Against our dearest foe.

Thank Heaven! At last the trumpets peal

Before our strength gives way. For King or for the Commonweal

No matter which they say, The first dry rattle of new-drawn steel

Changes the world to-day!

THE DUTCH IN THE MEDWAY

(1664-1672)

TF WARS were won by feasting,

Or victory by song, Or safety found in sleeping sound,

How England would be strong! But honour and dominion

Are not maintained so, They're only got by sword and shot,

And this the Dutchmen know I

The moneys that should feed us,

You spend on your delight, How can you then have sailor-men

To aid you in your fight? Our fish and cheese are rotten,

Which makes the scurvy grow We cannot serve you if we starve,

And this the Dutchmen know !