Rudyard Kipling

Here you will find thePoemUlster 1912of poet Rudyard Kipling

Ulster 1912

"Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of inquity and the act of violence is in their hands." -- Isaiah lix. 6. The dark eleventh hour Draws on and sees us sold To every evil power We fought against of old - Rebellion, rapine, hate, Oppression, wrong and greed Are loosed to rule our fate By England's art and deed. The faith in which we stand, The laws we made and guard, Our honour, lives, and land Are given for reward To murder done by night To treason taught by day, To folly, sloth, and spite, And we are thrust away. The blood our fathers spilt, Our love, our toils, our pains Are counted us for guilt And only bind our chains - Before an Empire's eyes The traitor claims his price. What need of further lies? We are the sacrifice. We know the war prepared On ever peaceful home We know the hells prepared For such as serve not Rome The terror, threats, and bread In market, hearth, and field - We know, when all is said, We perish if we yield. Believe we dare not boast, Believe we dare not fear: We stand to pay the cost In all that men hold dear. What answer from the North? One Law, One Land, One Throne! If England drives us forth We shall not fall alone.