The Veterans

by Rudyard Kipling

　　

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To-day, across our fathers' graves, The astonished years reveal The remnant of that desperate host Which cleansed our East with steel. Hail and farewell! We greet you here, With tears that none will scorn, O Keepers of the House of old, Or ever we were born! One service more we dare to ask, Pray for us, heroes, pray, That when Fate lays on us our task We do not shame the Day!

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