I am a fan of the writing of Rudyard Kipling, and have encountered a peom of his -- the title escapes me, unfortunately -- with a strong resemblance to the "Whiffenpoof Song." Kipling's poem starts out

To the legion of the lost ones, To the cohort of the damned,

(quoted from memory). The protagonist in the poem is a soldier in Her Majesties forces "going down the ladder rung by rung." The structure is very close to the WPS, and includes the "Poor little lambs who have lost our way," etc.

The question I have is: Which came first? My impression of the Kipling piece is that it is so well-crafted, and so meaningful, that it should have been first, but I just don't know. Anyone know? Feel like telling me?

Thanks.