THE POET'S CORNER

Evening Star, Issue 23686, 20 September 1940, Page 3

THE POET'S CORNER

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