Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/619

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 601

As the war-horse smelleth the battle afar,

The entered Soul, no less, He saith: "Ha! Ha!" where the trumpets are

And the thunders of the Press!

Canst thou number the days that we fulfil,

Or the Times that we bring forth? Canst thou send the lightnings to do thy will,

And cause them reign on earth? Hast thou given a peacock goodly wings

To please his foolishness? Sit down at the heart of men and things,

Companion of the Press !

The Pope may launch his Interdict,

The Union its decree, But the bubble is blown and the bubble is pricked

By Us and such as We. Remember the battle and stand aside

While Thrones and Powers confess That King over all the children of pride

Is the Press the Press the Press!

HADRAMAUTI

knows the heart of the Christian ? How does he

reason ?

What are his measures and balances? Which is his season For laughter, forbearance or bloodshed, and what devils move

him When he arises to smite us? /do not love him.