Rudyard Kipling

“ The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!
But when I meet with frantic folk who sinfully declare
There is no pardon for their sin, the same I will not spare
Till I have proved that Heaven and Hell which in our hearts we have
Show nothing irredeemable on either side of the grave.
For as we live and as we die—if utter Death there be—
The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me! ”

“ Thus I will honour pious men whose virtue shines so bright
(Though none are more amazed than I when I by chance do right) ,
And I will pity foolish men for woe their sins have bred
(Though ninety-nine per cent. of mine I brought on my own head) . ”