Yoked in knowledge and remorse, now we come to rest, Laughing at old villainies that Time has turned to jest, Pardoning old necessities no pardon can efface-- That undying sin we shared in Rouen marketplace. Now we watch the new years shape, wondering if they hold Fiercer lightnings in their heart than we launched of old. Now we hear new voices rise, question, boast or gird, As we raged (rememberest thou?) when our crowds were stirred, Now we count new keels afloat, and new hosts on land, Massed like ours (rememberest thou?) when our strokes were planned. We were schooled for dear life's sake, to know each other's blade What can blood and iron make more than we have made? We have learned by keenest use to know each other's mind. What shall blood and iron loose that we cannot bind? We who swept each other's coast, sacked each other's home, Since the sword of Brennus clashed on the scales at Rome, Listen, count and close again, wheeling girth to girth, In the linked and steadfast guard set for peace on earth! Broke to every known mischance, lifted over all By the light sane joy of life, the buckler of the Gaul; Furious in luxury, merciless in toil, Terrible with strength renewed from a tireless soil; Strictest judge of her own worth, gentlest of man's mind, First to face the Truth and last to leave old Truths behind-- France, beloved of every soul that loves or serves its kind! 'FOR ALL WE HAVE AND ARE' 1914. For all we have and are, For all our children's fate, Stand up and take the war, The Hun is at the gate! Our world has passed away, In wantonness o'erthrown. There is nothing left to-day But steel and fire and stone! Though all we knew 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-bought gain, They shrivelled in a night. Only ourselves remain To face the naked days In silent fortitude, Through perils and dismays Renewed and re-renewed. Though all we made depart, The old Commandments stand;-- 'In patience keep your heart, In strength lift up your hand.' No easy hope or lies Shall bring us to our goal, But iron sacrifice Of body, will, and soul. There is but one task for all-- One life for each to give Who stands if Freedom fall? Who dies if England live? A SONG IN STORM