KIPLING'S LATEST POEM.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 18, Issue 41, 21 May 1907, Page 2

KIPLING'S LATEST POEM.

TRANSVAAL CONSTITUTION. r *— Tho shame of a Majuba Hill Lies heavy on our line, But here is shame completer still, And England makes no sign. Unchallenged in the market-placa Of freedom's choson land, Our rulers pass our rule and raco Into the stranger's hand. At a great price you loosed the yoke 'Neath which our brethren lay—(Your dead that perished era 'twas broke Are scarcely dust to-day). Think you they freed them at a price? Wake ! or your toil is vain ; , Our rulers jugglingly devise To sell them back againBack to the ancient bitterness Ye ended once for allBack to oppression none can guess Who have not borne its thrallBack to the slough of their despond ; Helots anew held fast By England's seal upon the bond As helots to the last» What is their sin that they are made Rebellion's lawful prey ? • This fa their sin—That oft betrayed Thoy did not oft botray ! That to their hurt they kept their vows ! That for their faith they died ! Bod help them i Children of our house Whom England hath denied^ But god shall turn our doqra ? What blessing dare we claim-r-Who slay a nation in tho womb To crown a trickster's game ? Who oonio before amazed mankind Forsworn in party foud, And search the forms of law to bjnd Our blood to servitude. Now, oven'now, before men learn How now we broke our trust. Now, oven now, ere we return Dominion to the dust; Now, ero the gates of- mercy close For ever 'gainst the line That sells its sons to servo its foes, Will England make no sign ?