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

They were not easily moved
They were icy, willing to wait
Til every count should be proved
Ere the saxons began to hate

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

It was not preached to the crowd
It was not taught by the state
No man spoke it loud
When the saxons began to hate

It was not suddenly bred
It will not swiftly abate
Though the chilled years ahead
When the saxons began to hate