KIPLING’S ODE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 304, 21 November 1934, Page 8

KIPLING’S ODE.

THE SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE.

Rudyard Kipling’s ode to Alelbourne’s majestic Slirin© of Remembrance was read at the dedication of the shrine.

So long as Alemory, Valour, and Faith endure, Let these Stones witness through the years to come, How once there was a People fenced secure Behind great waters girdling a far home.

Their own and their land’s youth ran side by side, Heedless and headlong as their unyoked seas — Lavish o’er all and set in stubborn pride, Of judgment nurtured by accepted peace.

Thus suddenly, War took them —seas and skies Joined with the Earth for slaughter. In a breath They, scoffing at all talk of sacrifice, Gave themselves without idle words to death.

Thronging as cities throng to watch a game, Or their own herds move Southward with the year, Secretly, swiftly, from their ports they came, So that before half earth had heard their name, Half earth had learned to speak of .them with fear.

Because of certain men who strove to reach Through the red surf the crest no man might hold, And gave their name for ever to a beach Which shall outlive Troy’s tale when time is old.

Because of horsemen, gathered apart and hid — Alerciless riders from Megiddo sent forth When the outflanking hour struck, and bid Them close and bar the drove-roads to the North.

And those who, when men feared the last March flood Of Western War had risen beyond recall. Stormed through the night from Amiens and made good, At their glad cost the breach that perilled all.

Then they returned to their desired land — The kindly cities and plains where they were bred — Having revealed tlieir Nation in earth’s sight, So long as Sacrifice and Honour stand. And their own Sun at the hushed hour shall light The Shrine of these their Dead!