Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922. Great-Heart
(T
HEODORE R
OOSEVELT IN 1919)
1 “The Interpreter then called for a man-servant of his, one Great-Heart.”
ONCERNING brave Captains Our age hath made known For all men to honour, One standeth alone, Of whom, o’er both oceans 5 Both Peoples may say: “Our realm is diminished With Great-Heart away.” In purpose unsparing, In action no less, 10 The labours he praised He would seek and profess Through travail and battle, At hazard and pain…. And our world is none the braver 15 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 20 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 25 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…. 30 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 35 Might advantage mankind. Leal servant, loved master, Rare comrade, sure guide … Oh, our world is none the safer Now Great-Heart hath died! 40 Let those who would handle Make sure they can wield His far-reaching sword And his close-guarding shield: For those who must journey 45 Henceforward alone Have need of stout convoy Now Great-Heart is gone.
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