Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/188

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No matter though our decks be swept

And mast and timber crack—

We can make good all loss except

The loss of turning back.

So, 'twixt these Devils and our deep

Let courteous trumpets sound,

To welcome Fate's discourtesy

Whereby it will be found, etc.

Be well assured, though in our power

Is nothing left to give

But chance and place to meet the hour,

And leave to strive to live,

Till these dissolve our Order holds,

Our Service binds us here.

Then welcome Fate's discourtesy

Whereby it is made clear,

How in all time of our distress,

As in our triumph too,

The game is more than the player of the game

And the ship is more than the crew!





"And reports the derelict 'Mary Pollock' still at sea"

 WAS the staunchest of our fleet

Till the sea rose beneath my feet

Unheralded, in hatred past all measure.

Into his pits he stamped my crew,

Buffeted, blinded, bound and threw,

Bidding me eyeless wait upon his pleasure.

