Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.
The Beginnings
1914–18
I
It came to them very late
With long arrears to make good,
When the English began to hate.
They were icy-willing to wait
Till every count should be proved,
Ere the English began to hate.
Their eyes were level and straight.
There was neither sign nor show,
When the English began to hate.
It was not taught by the State.
No man spoke it aloud,
When the English began to hate.
It will not swiftly abate,
Through the chill years ahead,
When Time shall count from the date
That the English began to hate.