The Wrath of the Awakened Saxon (Kipling Beginnings Adaptation)

[Valknor]

This appears to be a modified version of Kipling's "The Beginnings", replacing the word English with Saxon. While the original is good, this modification makes the poem apply to a broader population. I like this version best.

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

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

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

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

It was not suddenly bred,
It will not swiftly abate,
Through the chill years ahead,
When Time shall count from the date
That the Saxon began to hate.