Page:Rudyard Kipling - A diversity of creatures.djvu/55



Whether the State can loose and bind In Heaven as well as on Earth: If it be wiser to kill mankind Before or after the birth— These are matters of high concern Where State-kept schoolmen are; But Holy State (we have lived to learn) Endeth in Holy War.

Whether The People be led by the Lord, Or lured by the loudest throat: If it be quicker to die by the sword Or cheaper to die by vote— These are the things we have dealt with once, (And they will not rise from their grave) For Holy People, however it runs, Endeth in wholly Slave.

Whatsoever, for any cause, Seeketh to take or give, Power above or beyond the Laws, Suffer it not to live!