Rudyard Kipling

The Beginnings

           1914-18

"Mary Postgate"-- A Diversity of Creatures

   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.

   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 countfrom the date 
     That the English began to hate.