Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.
The New Knighthood
W
“I,” said the wet,
Rank-Jungle-sweat,
“I’ll give him the Bath!”
“We,” said the Palms.
“Ere the hot wind becalms,
“We’ll sing the psalms.”
“I,” said the Sun,
“Before he has done,
“I’ll lay on the sword.”
“I,” said Short-Rations,
“I know all the fashions
“Of tightening a belt!”
“I,” said his Chief,
Exacting and brief,
“I’ll give him the spur.”
“I,” said the Fever,
“And I’m no deceiver,
“I’ll shake his hand.”
“I,” said Quinine,
“It’s a habit of mine.
“I’ll come with his wine.”
“I,” said All Earth.
“Whatever he’s worth,
“I’ll put to the proof.”
“I,” said his Mother,
“Before any other,
“My very own Knight.”
Was Sir Galahad made;—as it might be last week!