RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE
THE OBEDIENT
Daily, though no ears attended,
Did my prayers arise. Daily, though no fire descended
Did I sacrifice. Though my darkness did not lift,
Though I faced no lighter odds, Though the Gods bestowed no gift, None the less,
None the less, I served the Gods!
A DRIFTER OFF TARENTUM
He from the wind-bitten north with ship and companions
descended.
Searching for eggs of death spawned by invisible hulls. Many he found and drew forth. Of a sudden the fishery
ended
In flame and a clamorous breath not new to the eye-pecking gulls.
DESTROYERS IN COLLISION
For Fog and Fate no charm is found
To lighten or amend. I, hurrying to my bride, was drowned
Cut down by my best friend.
CONVOY ESCORT
I was a shepherd to fools Causelessly bold or afraid.
They would not abide by my rules. Yet they escaped. For I stayed.
