Poem by Rudyard Kipling

«Debits and Credits». (1919-1926). 18. The Last Ode

          Nov. 27, 8 B.C.
       Horace, BK. V. Ode 31
         "The Eye of Allah"

As WATCHERS couched beneath a Bantine oak,
  Hearing the dawn-wind stir,
Know that the present strength of night is broke
  Though no dawn threaten her
Till dawn's appointed hour--so Virgil died,
  Aware of change at hand, and prophesied

Change upon all the Eternal Gods had made
  And on the Gods alike--
Fated as dawn but, as the dawn, delayed
  Till the just hour should strike--

A Star new-risen above the living and dead;
  And the lost shades that were our loves restored
As lovers, and for ever. So he said;
  Having received the word...

Maecenas waits me on the Esquiline:
  Thither to-night go I...
And shall this dawn restore us, Virgil mine
  To dawn? Beneath what sky?

1. A Nativity
2. The First Chantey
3. The Wishing Caps
4. «Debits and Credits». (1919-1926). 1. The Changelings
5. The Declaration of London

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