Poems (Geisse)/Answer to Kipling's Poem "The Islanders"
ANSWER TO KIPLING'S POEM, "THE ISLANDERS."
Who dares malign old England,
Who says her sons will sport,
Regardless of her honor
While foes are yet unfought?
Who says her sons will sport,
Regardless of her honor
While foes are yet unfought?
Who scoffs at English courage,
What cynic dares to say
That bravery is wanting
In English hearts to-day?
What cynic dares to say
That bravery is wanting
In English hearts to-day?
Are there not hosts to answer,
The living and the dead,
To stand for English valor
When Kipling's lines are read?
The living and the dead,
To stand for English valor
When Kipling's lines are read?
For will not England's records,
Both past and present show
That England's sons stand ready
To vanquish any foe?
Both past and present show
That England's sons stand ready
To vanquish any foe?
Look back on all the victories
Her valiant men have won,
Look back on gallant Nelson,
Look back on Wellington,
Her valiant men have won,
Look back on gallant Nelson,
Look back on Wellington,
And doubt not England's courage,
Despite this poet's sneers,
Her men to-day can equal
The men of bygone years.
Despite this poet's sneers,
Her men to-day can equal
The men of bygone years.