The Beginnings, 'A Diversity of Creatures'

Rudyard Kipling, (1865-1936)

Too old to serve himself, his son was killed at Loos in 1915.

Kipling was responsible for the standard inscription found in war cemeteries,

'Their name liveth for ever'

1917

It was not part of their blood,

It came to them very late

With long arrears to make good,

When the English began to hate.

They were not easily moved,

They were icy willing to wait

Till every count should be proved,

Ere the English began to hate.

Their voices were even and low,

Their eyes were level and straight.

There was neither sign nor show,

When the English began to hate.

Click to return to our Poets' corner

It was not preached to the crowd,

It was not taught by the State.

No man spoke it aloud,

When the English began to hate.

It was not suddenly bred,

It will not swiftly abate,

Through the chill years ahead

When Time shall count from the date

That the English began to hate.