Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/699

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 68 1

Lay not Thy Works before our eyes Nor vex us with Thy Wars Lest we should feel the straining skies O'ertrod by trampling stars.

Hold us secure behind the gates

Of saving flesh and bone,

Lest we should dream what Dream awaits

The soul escaped alone.

Thy Path, Thy Purposes conceal From our beleaguered realm, Lest any shattering whisper steal Upon us and o'erwhelm.

A veil 'twixt us and Thee, Good Lord, A veil 'twixt us and Thee, Lest we should hear too clear, too clear, And unto madness see !

THE COMFORTERS


 * JNTIL thy feet have trod the Road

Advise not wayside folk, Nor till thy back has borne the Load Break in upon the broke.

Chase not with undesired largesse

Of sympathy the heart Which, knowing her own bitterness,

Presumes to dwell apart.