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1865–1936

( THE AMERICAN SPIRIT SPEAKS )

Rudyard Kipling

To the Judge of Right and Wrong With Whom fulfilment lies Our purpose and our power belong, Our faith and sacrifice.

Let Freedom's Land rejoice! Our ancient bonds are riven; Once more to us the eternal choice Of Good or Ill is given.

Not at a little cost, Hardly by prayer or tears, Shall we recover the road we lost In the drugged and doubting years.

But, after the fires and the wrath, But, after searching and pain, His Mercy opens us a path To live with ourselves again.

In the Gates of Death rejoice! We see and hold the good — Bear witness, Earth, we have made our choice With Freedom's brotherhood!

Then praise the Lord Most High Whose Strength hath saved us whole, Who bade us choose that the Flesh should die And not the living Soul!

To the God in Man displayed — Where e'er we see that Birth, Be love and understanding paid As never yet on earth!

To the Spirit that moves in Man, On Whom all worlds depend, Be Glory since our world began And service to the end!

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( THE AMERICAN SPIRIT SPEAKS ) · Rudyard Kipling · Poetry Cove