Rudyard Kipling

The Declaration of London

On the reassembling of Parliament after
the Coronation, the Government have no
intention of allowing their followers to vote
according to their convictions on the Dec -
laration of London, but insist on a strictly
party vote.-- Daily Papers

 
  We were all one heart and one race
    When the Abbey trumpets blew.
  For a moment's breathing-space
    We had forgotten you.
  Now you return to your honoured place
     Panting to shame us anew.

  We have walked with the Ages dead--
     With our Past alive and ablaze.
  And you bid us pawn our honour for bread,
     This day of all the days!
  And you cannot wait till our guests are sped,
     Or last week's wreath decays?

  The light is still in our eyes
     Of Faith and Gentlehood,
  Of Service and Sacrifice;
    And it does not match our mood,
  To turn so soon to your treacheries
    That starve our land of her food.

  Our ears still carry the sound
    Of our once-Imperial seas,
  Exultant after our King was crowned,
    Beneath the sun and the breeze.
  It is too early to have them bound
    Or sold at your decrees.

  Wait till the memory goes,
    Wait till the visions fade,
  We may betray in time, God knows,
    But we would not have it said,
  When you make report to our scornful foes,
    That we kissed as we betrayed!