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

Hadramauti

WHO knows the heart of the Christian? How does he reason?

What are his measures and balances? Which is his season

For laughter, forbearance or bloodshed, and what devils move him

When he arises to smite us? I do not love him.

He invites the derision of strangers—he enters all places.

Booted, bareheaded he enters. With shouts and embraces

He asks of us news of the household whom we reckon nameless.

Certainly Allah created him forty-fold shameless!

So it is not in the Desert. One came to me weeping—

The Avenger of Blood on his track—I took him in keeping.

Demanding not whom he had slain, I refreshed him, I fed him

As he were even a brother. But Eblis had bred him.

He was the son of an ape, ill at ease in his clothing.

He talked with his head, hands and feet. I endured him with loathing.

Whatever his spirit conceived his countenance showed it

As a frog shows in a mud-puddle. Yet I abode it!

I fingered my beard and was dumb, in silence confronting him.

His soul was too shallow for silence, e’en with Death hunting him.

I said: “’Tis his weariness speaks,” but, when he had rested,

He chirped in my face like some sparrow, and, presently, jested!

Wherefore slew I that stranger? He brought me dishonour.

I saddled my mare, Bijli, I set him upon her.

I gave him rice and goat’s flesh. He bared me to laughter.

When he was gone from my tent, swift I followed after,

Taking my sword in my hand. The hot wine had filled him.

Under the stars he mocked me—therefore I killed him!