Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.
The Anvil
(NORMAN CONQUEST, 1066)
E
Clanging from the Severn to the Tyne!
Never was a blacksmith like our Norman King—
England’s being hammered, hammered, hammered into line!
(But the work will be a marvel when it’s done)
Little bits of Kingdoms cannot stand against their foes.
England’s being hammered, hammered, hammered into one!
(Neither Priest nor Baron shall escape!)
It shall have one speech and law, soul and strength and sword.
England’s being hammered, hammered, hammered into shape!