Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/460

 442 ^ RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE

Whistling over the fields, and, when he had made all sure, "Thy line is at end," he said, " but at least I have saved its name."

THE BEGINNER

On the first hour of my first day

In the front trench I fell. (Children in boxes at a play

Stand up to watch it well.)

R. A. F. (AGED EIGHTEEN)

Laughing through clouds, his milk-teeth still unshed, Cities and men he smote from overhead. His deaths delivered, he returned to play Childlike, with childish things now put away.

THE REFINED MAN

I was of delicate mind. I stepped aside for my needs, Disdaining the common office. I was seen from afar and

killed. . . . How is this matter for mirth? Let each man be judged by

his deeds.

I have paid my price to live with myself on the terms that I willed.

NATIVE WATER-CARRIER (M. E. F.)

Prometheus brought down fire to men.

This brought up water. The Gods are jealous now, as then,

Giving no quarter.

BOMBED IN LONDON

On land and sea I strove with anxious care To escape conscription. It was in the air!