Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.

The Jester

THERE are three degrees of bliss

At the foot of Allah’s Throne

And the highest place is his

Who saves a brother’s soul

At peril of his own.

There is the Power made known!

There are three degrees of bliss

In the Gardens of Paradise,

And the second place is his

Who saves his brother’s soul

By excellent advice.

For there the Glory lies!

There are three degrees of bliss

And three abodes of the Blest,

And the lowest place is his

Who has saved a soul by a jest

And a brother’s soul in sport …

But there do the Angels resort!