Page:Life's Handicap - Kipling (1891).djvu/372



new-cut ashlar takes the light
 * Where crimson-blank the windows flare;

By my own work, before the night,
 * Great Overseer, I make my prayer.

If there be good in that I wrought,
 * Thy hand compelled it, Master, Thine;

Where I have failed to meet Thy thought
 * I know, through Thee, the blame is mine.

One instant's toil to Thee denied
 * Stands all Eternity's offence,

Of that I did with Thee to guide
 * To Thee, through Thee, be excellence.

Who, lest all thought of Eden fade,
 * Bring'st Eden to the craftsman's brain,

Godlike to muse o'er his own trade
 * And Manlike stand with God again.

The depth and dream of my desire,
 * The bitter paths wherein I stray,

Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire,
 * Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay.

One stone the more swings to her place
 * In that dread Temple of Thy Worth—

It is enough that through Thy grace
 * I saw naught common on Thy earth.

Take not that vision from my ken;
 * Oh whatso'er may spoil or speed,

Help me to need no aid from men
 * That I may help such men as need!