Before (Kipling)

For other versions of this work, see Before.

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’Twas not while England's sword unsheathed Put half a world to flight,Nor while their new-built cities breathed Secure behind her might;Not while she poured from Pole to Line Treasure and ships and men—These worshippers at Freedom's shrine They did not quit her then!
Not till their foes were driven forth By England o'er the main—Not till the Frenchman from the North Had gone, with shattered Spain;Not till the clean-swept ocean showed No hostile flag unrolled,Did they remember what they owed To Freedom—and were bold!



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