Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.

A Song of the White Men

1899

NOW, this is the cup the White Men drink

When they go to right a wrong,

And that is the cup of the old world’s hate—

Cruel and strained and strong.

We have drunk that cup—and a bitter, bitter cup—

And tossed the dregs away.

But well for the world when the White Men drink

To the dawn of the White Man’s day!

Now, this is the road that the White Men tread

When they go to clean a land—

Iron underfoot and levin overhead

And the deep on either hand.

We have trod that road—and a wet and windy road—

Our chosen star for guide.

Oh, well for the world when the White Men tread

Their highway side by side!

Now, this is the faith that the White Men hold

When they build their homes afar—

“Freedom for ourselves and freedom for our sons

And, failing freedom, War.”

We have proved our faith—bear witness to our faith,

Dear souls of freemen slain!

Oh, well for the world when the White Men join

To prove their faith again!