Page:Rudyard Kipling - A diversity of creatures.djvu/226

 The Soldier may forget his sword,
 * The Sailorman the sea,

The Mason may forget the Word
 * And the Priest his litany:

The maid may forget both jewel and gem,
 * And the bride her wedding-dress—

But the Jew shall forget Jerusalem
 * Ere we forget the Press!

Who once hath stood through the loaded hour
 * Ere, roaring like the gale,

The Harrild and the Hoe devour
 * Their league-long paper bale,

And has lit his pipe in the morning calm
 * That follows the midnight stress—

He hath sold his heart to the old Black Art
 * We call the daily Press.

Who once hath dealt in the widest game
 * That all of a man can play,

No later love, no larger fame
 * Will lure him long away.