Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/654

 636 RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE

Shouts in their silky ears Filling their soul with fears. When he has ploughed the land, He says: "They understand." But the beasts in stall together, Freed from the yoke and tether, Say as the torn flanks smoke: "Nay, 'twas the whip that spoke."

LIFE'S HANDICAP


 * TPHE doors were wide, the story saith,

Out of the night came the patient wraith. He might not speak, and he could not stir A hair of the Baron's minniver. Speechless and strengthless, a shadow thin, He roved the castle to find his kin. And oh! 'twas a piteous sight to see The dumb ghost follow his enemy!

The Return of Imray.

Before my Spring I garnered Autumn's gain, Out of her time my field was white with grain, The year gave up her secrets, to my woe. Forced and deflowered each sick season lay In mystery of increase and decay; I saw the sunset ere men see the day, Who am too wise in all I should not know.

Without Benefit of Clergy.