Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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

A Ripple Song

ONCE a ripple came to land

In the golden sunset burning—

Lapped against a maiden’s hand,

By the ford returning.

Dainty foot and gentle breast—

Here, across, be glad and rest.

“Maiden, wait,” the ripple saith;

“Wait awhile, for I am Death!”

“Where my lover calls I go—

Shame it were to treat him coldly—

’Twas a fish that circled so,

Turning over boldly.”

Dainty foot and tender heart,

Wait the loaded ferry-cart.

“Wait, ah, wait!” the ripple saith;

“Maiden, wait, for I am Death!”

“When my lover calls I haste—

Dame Disdain was never wedded!”

Ripple-ripple round her waist,

Clear the current eddied.

Foolish heart and faithful hand,

Little feet that touched no land.

Far away the ripple sped,

Ripple—ripple running red!