Page:The ways of war - Kettle - 1917.pdf/61

 profanity, 'There comes that damned green flag again!' I have often commended that phrase to Englishmen as admirably expressive of the historical rôle and record of Ireland in British politics. The damned green flag flutters again in their eyes, and if they will but listen to the music that marches with it, they will find that the lamenting fifes are dominated wholly by the drums of victory." Ireland always moved him to lyric patriotism. His appeal not to rend "the seamless garment of Irish Nationality" is immortal. Mr. Lynd, whom I have quoted so frequently because he has understood my husband as it is given to few to understand another, calls the last lines of his "Reason in Rhyme" his testament to England as his call to Europeanism is his testament to Ireland.

"Bond from the toil of hate we may not cease: Free, we are free to be your friend. And when you make your banquet, and we come, Soldier with equal soldier must we sit Closing a battle, not forgetting it. With not a name to hide This mate and mother of valiant 'rebels' dead Must come with all her history on her head.  We keep the past for pride: No deepest peace shall strike our poets dumb: No rawest squad of all Death's volunteers,  No rudest man who died To tear your flag down in the bitter years But shall have praise and three times thrice again When at that table men shall drink with men."