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