Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
A DedicationRudyard Kipling (18651936)
M
Where crimson-blank the windows flare;
By my own work, before the night,
Great Overseer, I make my prayer.
Thy hand compell’d it, Master, Thine;
Where I have fail’d to meet Thy thought
I know, through Thee, the blame is mine.
Stands all Eternity’s offence;
Of that I did with Thee to guide
To Thee, through Thee, be excellence.
Bring’st Eden to the craftsman’s brain,
Godlike to muse o’er his own trade
And manlike stand with God again.
The bitter paths wherein I stray,
Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire,
Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay.
In that dread Temple of Thy worth—
It is enough that through Thy grace
I saw naught common on Thy earth.
O, whatsoe’er may spoil or speed,
Help me to need no aid from men,
That I may help such men as need!