England's Answer by Rudyard Kipling
The work presents a powerful and evocative call to unity among the descendants of a proud lineage. It emphasizes the strength and resilience of the people, highlighting their shared heritage and the bond that ties them together. The speaker, representing a maternal figure, acknowledges the deep-rooted connection to the past while urging the sons to recognize their responsibilities. The narrative unfolds as a dialogue, where the speaker invites the sons to gather and discuss their future, reinforcing the importance of collaboration for the greater good. The imagery of blood and kinship underscores the idea that their strength lies in their unity, and that they must stand together in times of conflict. The speaker articulates a promise of mutual support, asserting that as long as their lineage endures, their fates are intertwined. The call to action is clear: they must engage in meaningful dialogue, establish laws that reflect their shared values, and work diligently towards their goals without seeking immediate recognition. The tone is assertive, urging the sons to embrace their roles as leaders and to act with wisdom and strength. The emphasis on practicality and determination serves as a reminder that they are neither divine nor naive, but rather human beings navigating a complex world. Ultimately, the work encapsulates themes of heritage, responsibility, and the importance of collective action, urging the descendants to honor their lineage while forging a path forward together.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Historical Fiction · 493 words
First lines
Truly ye come of The Blood; slower to bless than to ban; Little used to lie down at the bidding of any man. Flesh of the flesh that I bred, bone of the bone that I bare; Stark as your sons shall be -- stern as your fathers were. Deeper than speech our love, stronger than life our tether, But we do not fall on the neck nor kiss when we come together. My arm is nothing weak, my strength is not gone by; Sons, I have borne many sons, but my dugs are not dry. Look, I have made ye a place and opened wide the doors, That ye may talk together, your Barons and Councillors -- Wards of the Outer March, Lords of the Lower Seas, Ay, talk to your gray mother that bore you on her knees! -- That ye may talk together, brother to brother's face -- Thus for the good of your peoples -- thus for the Pride of the Race. Also, we will make promise. So long as The Blood endures, I shall know that your good is mine: ye shall feel that my strength is yours: In the day of Armageddon, at the last great fight of all, That Our House stand together and the pillars do not fall. Draw now the threefold knot firm on the ninefold bands, And the Law that ye make shall be law after the rule of your lands. This for the waxen Heath, and that for the Wattle-bloom, This for the Maple-leaf, and that for the southern Broom. The Law that ye make shall be law and I do not press my will, Because ye are Sons of The Blood and call me Mother still.
What this Textopian page supports
England's Answer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Historical Fiction, Epic, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 493 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Patriotic Literature — The themes revolve around national pride, heritage, and the responsibilities of lineage, reflecting a strong sense of patriotism.
- Historical Fiction — The context and themes suggest a reflection on historical events and the legacy of a nation.
- Epic — The grand themes of duty, strength, and collective identity align with characteristics of epic literature.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · England · heritage · strength · identity · bloodline · leadership · camaraderie · law · tradition · pride