FOR all we have and are, <br />For all our children’s fate, <br />Stand up and take the war. <br />The Hun is at the gate! <br />Our world has passed away <br />In wantonness o’erthrown. <br />There is nothing left to-day <br />But steel and fire and stone! <br />Though all we knew depart, <br />The old Commandments stand— <br />“In courage keep your heart, <br />In strength lift up your hand.” <br /> <br />Once more we hear the word <br />That sickened earth of old:— <br />“No law except the Sword <br />Unsheathed and uncontrolled.” <br />Once more it knits mankind <br />Once more the nations go <br />To meet and break and bind <br />A crazed and driven foe. <br /> <br />Comfort, content, delight, <br />The ages’ slow-bought gain, <br />They shrivelled in a night. <br />Only ourselves remain <br />To face the naked days <br />In silent fortitude, <br />Through perils and dismays <br />Renewed and re-renewed. <br />Though all we made depart, <br />The old Commandments stand:— <br />“In patience keep your heart, <br />In strength lift up your hand.” <br /> <br />No easy hope or lies <br />Shall bring us to our goal, <br />But iron sacrifice <br />Of body, will, and soul. <br />There is but one task for all— <br />One life for each to give. <br />What stands if Freedom fall? <br />Who dies if England live?<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/for-all-we-have-and-are-3/
