Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/52

34 THE LOVERS' LITANY

YES of grey—a sodden quay,

Driving rain and falling tears,

As the steamer puts to sea

In a parting storm of cheers.

Sing, for Faith and Hope are high—

None so true as you and I—

Sing the Lover's Litany:—

"Love like ours can never die!"

Eyes of black—a throbbing keel,

Milky foam to left and right;

Whispered converse near the wheel

In the brilliant tropic night.

Cross that rules the Southern Sky!

Stars that sweep, and turn, and fly

Hear the Lover's Litany:—

"Love like ours can never die!"

Eyes of brown—a dusty plain

Split and parched with heat of June.

Flying hoof and tightened rein,

Hearts that beat the ancient tune.

Side by side the horses fly,

Frame we now the old reply

Of the Lover's Litany:—

"Love like ours can never die!"

Eyes of blue—the Simla Hills

Silvered with the moonlight hoar;

Pleading of the waltz that thrills,

Dies and echoes round Benmore.

"Mabel," "Officers," "Good-bye,"

Glamour, wine, and witchery—

On my soul's sincerity,

"Love like ours can never die!"