A Song of the White Men
A Song of the White Men - fact Summary
Collected in the Seven Seas
Published in the collection The Seven Seas, this poem frames imperial violence as a moral duty by celebrating the "White Men" who drink a bitter cup, tread a hard road, and assert a faith that places freedom for themselves above others. It presents colonization as sacrifice and solidarity, reflecting Kipling's endorsement of British imperialism and the era’s racially hierarchical worldview rather than critiquing it.
Read Complete AnalysesNow, this is the cup the White Men drink When they go to right a wrong, And that is the cup of the old world's hate-- Cruel and strained and strong. We have drunk that cup--and a bitter, bitter cup-- And tossed the dregs away. But well for the world when the White Men drink To the dawn of the White Man's day! Now, this is the road that the White Men tread When they go to clean a land-- Iron underfoot and levin overhead And the deep on either hand. We have trod that road--and a wet and windy road-- Our chosen star for guide. Oh, well for the world when the White Men tread Their highway side by side! Now, this is the faith that the White Men hold-- When they build their homes afar-- "Freedom for ourselves and freedom for our sons And, failing freedom, War." We have proved our faith--bear witness to our faith, Dear souls of freemen slain! Oh, well for the world when the White Men join To prove their faith again!
1899
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