Poem by Rudyard Kipling

«A History of England». 1911. 12. «Together»

              England at War

Where Horse and Rider each can trust the other everywhere,
It takes a fence and more than a fence to pound that happy pair; 
For the one will do what the other demands, although he is beaten
    and blown,
 And when it is done, they can live through a run that neither
    could face alone.

When Crew and Captain understand each other to the core,
It takes a gale and more than a gale to put their ship ashore,
For the one will do what the other commands, although they;
     chilled to the bone,
And both together can live through weather that neither could
     face alone.
When King and People understand each other past a doubt,
It takes a foe and more than a foe to knock that country out;
For the one will do what the other required as soon as the need
     is shown;
And hand in hand they can make a stand which neither could
     make alone!

This wisdom had Elizabeth and all her subjects too,
For she was theirs and they were hers, as well the Spaniard knew;
For when his grim Armada came to conquer the Nation and
    Throne,
Why, back to back they met an attack that neither could face
    alone!

It is nor wealth, nor talk, nor trade, nor schools, nor even the
     Vote,
Will save your land when the enemy's hand is tightening round
     your throat.
But a King and a People who thoroughly trust each other in all
    that is done    
Can sleep on their bed without any dread--for the world will 
    leave 'em alone!

1. The First Chantey
2. The Last of the Light Brigade
3. France
4. Merrow Down
5. Justice

Print

4693 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version