Kipling wrote his patriotic poem as a contribution to the Daily Mail fund-raising appeal for those fighting in the Boer War. It proved immensely popular, particularly after it was set to music by Sir Arthur Sullivan, and Kipling himself travelled to South Africa to help distribute the supplies bought with the proceeds from the song. According to information printed in this de luxe version, “This souvenir is presented by Mrs. Lantry on the occasion of the 100th Performance of the “Degenerates” at the Garrick Theatre”. Lillie Langtry, the well-known socialite and actress, contributed £100 to the Daily Mail fund for this use of the poem.