Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/601

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 583

Zeal was their spur that, when relief was given,

Urged them unwearied to new toils in Heaven;

For Honour's sake perfecting every task

Beyond what e'en Perfection's self could ask. . ..

And Allah, Who created Zeal and Pride,

Knows how the twain are perilous-near allied.

It chanced on one of Heaven's long-lighted days, The Four and all the Host being gone their ways Each to his Charge, the shining Courts were void Save for one Seraph whom no charge employed, With folden wings and slumber-threatened brow, To whom The Word: "Beloved, what dost thou?" " By the Permission," came the answer soft, Little I do nor do that little oft. As is The Will in Heaven so on Earth Where by The Will I strive to make men mirth." He ceased and sped, hearing The Word once more: "Beloved, go thy way and greet the Four."

Systems and Universes overpast,

The Seraph came upon the Four, at last,

Guiding and guarding with devoted mind

The tedious generations of mankind

Who lent at most unwilling ear and eye

When they could not escape the ministry. ,.

Yet, patient, faithful, firm, persistent, just

Toward all that gross, indifferent, facile dust,

The Archangels laboured to discharge their trust

By precept and example, prayer and law,

Advice, reproof, and rule, but, labouring, saw

Each in his fellows' countenance confessed,

The Doubt that sickens: "Have I done my best?"