Poem by Rudyard Kipling

«Debits and Credits». (1919-1926). 8. The Survival

   Horace BK. V. Ode 22
      "The Janeites"

Securely, after days
   Unnumbered, I behold
Kings mourn that promised praise
   Their cheating bards foretold.

Of earth constricting Wars,
   Of Princes passed in chains,
Of deeds out-shining stars,
   No word or voice remains.

Yet furthest times receive,
   And to fresh praise restore,
Mere breath of flutes at eve,
   Mere seaweed on the shore.

A smoke of sacrifice;
   A chosen myrtle-wreath;
An harlot's altered eyes;
   A rage 'gainst love or death;

Glazed snow beneath the moon --
   The surge of storm-bowed trees--
The Caesars perished soon,
   And Rome Herself: But these

Endure while Empires fall
   And Gods for Gods make room....
Which greater God than all
   Imposed the amazing doom?

1. After the Fever
2. Quaeritur
3. Resolve
4. Job’s Wife
5. The Land

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