Wrath

The Wrath of the Awakened Saxon
Rudyard Kipling

It was not part of their blood,
It came to them very late
With long arrears to make good,
When the Saxons began to hate.

They were not easily moved,
They were icy-willing to wait
Till every count should be proved
Ere the Saxons began to hate.

Their voices were even and low,
Their eyes were level and straight,
There was neither sign nor show,
When the Saxons began to hate.

It was not preached to the crowd
It was not taught by the State,
No man spoke it aloud,
When the Saxons began to hate.

It was not suddenly bred,
It will not swiftly abate
Through the chilled years ahead
When Time shall count from the date

That the Saxons began to hate.