Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/441



OVE and Death once ceased their strife At the Tavern of Man's Life. Called for wine, and threw—alas!— Each his quiver on the grass. When the bout was o'er they found Mingled arrows strewed the ground. Hastily they gathered then Each the loves and lives of men. Ah, the fateful dawn deceived! Mingled arrows each one sheaved. Death's dread armoury was stored With the shafts he most abhorred; Love's light quiver groaned beneath Venom-headed darts of Death. Thus it was they wrought our woe At the Tavern long ago. Tell me, do our masters know, Loosing blindly as they fly, Old men love while young men die?

DO not look for holy saints to guide me on my way, Or male and female devilkins to lead my feet astray. If these are added, I rejoice if not, I shall not mind, So long as I have leave and choice to meet my fellow-kind. For as we come and as we go (and deadly-soon go we!) The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!