Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/74

56 And I turn my eyes to the future that Maggie and I must prove,

But the only light on the marshes is the Will-o'-the-Wisp of Love.

Will it see me safe through my journey or leave me bogged in the mire?

Since a puff of tobacco can cloud it, shall I follow the fitful fire?

Open the old cigar-box—let me consider anew—

Old friends, and who is Maggie that I should abandon you?

A million surplus Maggies are willing to bear the yoke;

And a woman is only a woman, but a good Cigar is a Smoke.

Light me another Cuba—I hold to my first-sworn vows.

If Maggie will have no rival, I'll have no Maggie for Spouse!



A BALLADE OF JAKKO HILL

NE moment bid the horses wait,

Since tiffin is not laid till three,

Below the upward path and strait

You climbed a year ago with me.

Love came upon us suddenly

And loosed—an idle hour to kill—

A headless, harmless armoury

That smote us both on Jakko Hill.

Ah, Heaven! we would wait and wait

Through Time and to Eternity!

Ah, Heaven! we could conquer Fate

With more than Godlike constancy! 