Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/605

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 587

THE FAIRIES' SIEGE

T HAVE been given my charge to keep

Well have I kept the same! Playing with strife for the most of my life, But this is a different game. P not fight against swords unseen, Or spears that I cannot view Hand him the keys of the place on your knees 'Tis the Dreamer whose dreams come true !

Ask him his terms and accept them at once.

Quick, ere we anger him, go!

Never before have I flinched from the guns,

But this is a different show.

P not fight with the*Herald of God

(I know what his Master can do!)

Open the gate, he must enter in state,

'Tis the Dreamer whose dreams come true!

I'd not give way for an Emperor,

I'd hold my road for a King

To the Triple Crown I would not bow down

But this is a different thing.

r not fight with the Powers of Air,

Sentry, pass him through!

Drawbridge let fall, 'tis the Lord of us all,

The Dreamer whose dreams come true!

THE CHILDREN

1917

'"pHESE were our children who died for our lands: they

were dear in our sight.

We have only the memory left of their home-treasured sayings and laughter.