Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.

The Question

1916

BRETHREN, how shall it fare with me

When the war is laid aside,

If it be proven that I am he

For whom a world has died?

If it be proven that all my good,

And the greater good I will make,

Were purchased me by a multitude

Who suffered for my sake?

That I was delivered by mere mankind

Vowed to one sacrifice,

And not, as I hold them, battle-blind,

But dying with open eyes?

That they did not ask me to draw the sword

When they stood to endure their lot—

That they only looked to me for a word,

And I answered I knew them not?

If it be found, when the battle clears,

Their death has set me free,

Then how shall I live with myself through the years

Which they have bought for me?

Brethren, how must it fare with me,

Or how am I justified,

If it be proven that I am he

For whom mankind has died—

If it be proven that I am he

Who, being questioned, denied?