Page:The Seven Seas (Kipling, 1896).djvu/160

138 While far, so far above you, her tall poop-lanterns shine

Unvexed by wind or weather like the candles round a shrine!

Hull down—hull down and under—she dwindles to a speck,

With noise of pleasant music and dancing on her deck.

All's well—all's well aboard her—she's left you far behind,

With a scent of old-world roses through the fog that ties you blind.

Her crew are babes or madmen? Her port is all to make?

You're manned by Truth and Science, and you steam for steaming's sake?

Well, tinker up your engines—you know your business best—

She's taking tired people to the Islands of the Blest!