| Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922. | | | | My Lady’s Law |
| | | THE LAW whereby my lady moves | |
| Was never Law to me, | |
| But ’tis enough that she approves | |
| Whatever Law it be. | |
| |
| For in that Law, and by that Law, | 5 |
| My constant course I’ll steer; | |
| Not that I heed or deem it dread, | |
| But that she holds it dear. | |
| |
| Tho’ Asia sent for my content | |
| Her richest argosies, | 10 |
| Those would I spurn, and bid return, | |
| If that should give her ease. | |
| |
| With equal heart I’d watch depart | |
| Each spicèd sail from sight, | |
| Sans bitterness, desiring less | 15 |
| Great gear than her delight. | |
| |
| Though Kings made swift with many a gift | |
| My proven sword to hire— | |
| I would not go nor serve ’em so— | |
| Except at her desire. | 20 |
| |
| With even mind, I’d put behind | |
| Adventure and acclaim, | |
| And clean give o’er, esteeming more | |
| Her favour than my fame. | |
| |
| Yet such am I, yea such am I— | 25 |
| Sore bond and freest free, | |
| The Law that sways my lady’s ways | |
| Is mystery to me! | | | | |
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