FOR ALL WE HAVE, AND ARE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1308, 8 October 1914, Page 4

FOR ALL WE HAVE, AND ARE.

For all we have and are, For all our children’s fate Stand up and meet the war, The Hun is at the gate. Our world has passed away In wanton overthrow ; There’s nothing left to-day But steel and fire and woe,

Though all we know 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-brought gain They shrivelled in a night— Only ourselves remain. To face the naked days, In silent fortitude Through perils and dismays Renewed and renewed. Though all we may depart, The old commandments stand, “In patience keep your heart, In strength lift up your hand.” No easy hopes or lies Shall bring us to our goal But iron sacrifice Of body, will, and soul. There’s but one task for all, For each, one life to give, Who stands if freedom fall ? Who dies if England live ? —Rudyard Kipling.