Hilaire Belloc Quote

Blood understood the Native mind,
He said: 'We must be firm but kind.'
A mutiny resulted.
I never shall forget the way
That Blood upon this awful day
Preserved us all from death.
He stood upon a little mound,
Cast his lethargic eyes around,
And said beneath his breath:
'Whatever happens we have got
The Maxim Gun, and they have not.'

The Modern Traveller (1898)