Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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

Great-Heart

CONCERNING brave Captains

Our age hath made known

For all men to honour,

One standeth alone,

Of whom, o’er both oceans

Both Peoples may say:

“Our realm is diminished

With Great-Heart away.”

In purpose unsparing,

In action no less,

The labours he praised

He would seek and profess

Through travail and battle,

At hazard and pain….

And our world is none the braver

Since Great-Heart was ta’en!

Plain speech with plain folk,

And plain words for false things,

Plain faith in plain dealing

’Twixt neighbours or kings

He used and he followed,

However it sped….

Oh, our world is none more honest

Now Great-Heart is dead!

The heat of his spirit

Struck warm through all lands;

For he loved such as showed

’Emselves men of their hands;

In love, as in hate,

Paying home to the last….

But our world is none the kinder

Now Great-Heart hath passed!

Hard-schooled by long power,

Yet most humble of mind

Where aught that he was

Might advantage mankind.

Leal servant, loved master,

Rare comrade, sure guide …

Oh, our world is none the safer

Now Great-Heart hath died!

Let those who would handle

Make sure they can wield

His far-reaching sword

And his close-guarding shield:

For those who must journey

Henceforward alone

Have need of stout convoy

Now Great-Heart is gone.