Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/462

 RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE

THE OBEDIENT

Daily, though no ears attended,

Did my prayers arise. Daily, though no fire descended

Did I sacrifice. Though my darkness did not lift,

Though I faced no lighter odds, Though the Gods bestowed no gift, None the less,

None the less, I served the Gods!

A DRIFTER OFF TARENTUM

He from the wind-bitten north with ship and companions

descended.

Searching for eggs of death spawned by invisible hulls. Many he found and drew forth. Of a sudden the fishery

ended

In flame and a clamorous breath not new to the eye-pecking gulls.

DESTROYERS IN COLLISION

For Fog and Fate no charm is found

To lighten or amend. I, hurrying to my bride, was drowned

Cut down by my best friend.

CONVOY ESCORT

I was a shepherd to fools Causelessly bold or afraid.

They would not abide by my rules. Yet they escaped. For I stayed.