Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/600

 582 RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE

"But three are gathered together

Listen to me and attend. I bring good news, my brethren!"

Said Eddi of Manhood End.

And he told the Ox of a Manger

And a Stall in Bethlehem, And he spoke to the Ass of a Rider,

That rode to Jerusalem.

They steamed and dripped in the chancel, They listened and never stirred,

While, just as though they were Bishops, Eddi preached them The Word,

Till the gale blew off on the marshes And the windows showed the day,

And the Ox and the Ass together Wheeled and clattered away.

And when the Saxons mocked him, Said Eddi of Manhood End,

"I dare not shut His chapel On such as care to attend."

THE LEGEND OF MIRTH

Four Archangels, so the legends tell, Raphael, Gabriel, Michael, Azrael, Being first of those to whom the Power was shown, Stood first of all the Host before The Throne, And, when the Charges were allotted, burst Tumultuous-winged from out the assembly first. Zeal was their spur that bade them strictly heed Their own high judgment on their lightest deed.