Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/714

 696 RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE

Half the world I wandered through, Seeking where such flowers grew Half the world unto my quest Answered me with laugh and jest.

Home I came at wintertide But my silly love had died Seeking with her latest breath Roses from the arms of Death.

It may be beyond the grave She shall find what she would have. Mine was but an idle quest Roses white and red are best!

A RIPPLE SONG

o

NCE a ripple came to land

In the golden sunset burning Lapped against a maiden's hand, By the ford returning.

Dainty foot and gentle breast Here, across, be glad and rest. "Maiden, wait," the ripple saith; "Wait awhile, for I am Death /"

"Where my lover calls I go

Shame it were to treat him coldly

'Twas a fish that circled so, Turning over boldly."

Dainty foot and tender heart, Wait the loaded ferry -cart. "Wait, ah, wait /" the ripple saith; "Maiden, wait, for I am Death /"