Icomedawaylikeableedin’toff，ForIgotfourniggerstocarrymeoff，AsIlayinthebightofacanvastrough，WhentheWidowgivetheparty。
"Whatwastheendofalltheshow，Johnnie，Johnnie？"
AskmyColonel，for~I~don’tknow，Johnnie，myJohnnie，aha！
WebrokeaKingandwebuiltaroad——
Acourt—housestandswherethereg’mentgoed。
Andtheriver’scleanwheretherawbloodflowedWhentheWidowgivetheparty。
（~Bugle~：Ta——rara——ra—ra—rara！）
FORDO’KABULRIVER
Kabultown’sbyKabulriver——
Blowthebugle，drawthesword——
ThereIlef’mymateforever，Wetan’drippin’bytheford。
Ford，ford，fordo’Kabulriver，Fordo’Kabulriverinthedark！
There’stheriverupandbrimmin’，an’there’s’arfasquadronswimmin’
’Crossthefordo’Kabulriverinthedark。
Kabultown’sablastedplace——
Blowthebugle，drawthesword——
’StrewthIsha’n’tforget’isfaceWetan’drippin’bytheford！
Ford，ford，fordo’Kabulriver，Fordo’Kabulriverinthedark！
Keepthecrossing—stakesbesideyou，an’theywillsurelyguideyou’Crossthefordo’Kabulriverinthedark。
Kabultownissunanddust——
Blowthebugle，drawthesword——
I’dha’soonerdrowndedfust’Steadof’imbesidetheford。
Ford，ford，fordo’Kabulriver，Fordo’Kabulriverinthedark！
Youcan’earthe’orsesthreshin’，youcan’earthemena—splashin’，’Crossthefordo’Kabulriverinthedark。
Kabultownwasourstotake——
Blowthebugle，drawthesword——
I’dha’leftitfor’issake——
’Imthatleftmebytheford。
Ford，ford，fordo’Kabulriver，Fordo’Kabulriverinthedark！
It’snonesobloomin’drythere;ain’tyounevercomin’nighthere，’Crossthefordo’Kabulriverinthedark？
Kabultown’llgotohell——
Blowthebugle，drawthesword——
’ForeIseehim’livean’well——
’Imthebestbesidetheford。
Ford，ford，fordo’Kabulriver，Fordo’Kabulriverinthedark！
Gawd’elp’emiftheyblunder，fortheirboots’llpull’emunder，Bythefordo’Kabulriverinthedark。
Turnyour’orsefromKabultown——
Blowthebugle，drawthesword——
’Iman’’arfmytroopisdown，Downan’drowndedbytheford。
Ford，ford，fordo’Kabulriver，Fordo’Kabulriverinthedark！
There’stheriverlowan’fallin’，butitain’tnouseo’callin’
’Crossthefordo’Kabulriverinthedark。
GENTLEMEN—RANKERS
Tothelegionofthelostones，tothecohortofthedamned，Tomybrethrenintheirsorrowoverseas，SingsagentlemanofEnglandcleanlybred，machinelycrammed，AndatrooperoftheEmpress，ifyouplease。
Yea，atrooperoftheforceswhohasrunhisownsixhorses，Andfaithhewentthepaceandwentitblind，Andtheworldwasmorethankinwhileheheldthereadytin，Butto—daytheSergeant’ssomethinglessthankind。
We’repoorlittlelambswho’velostourway，Baa！Baa！Baa！
We’relittleblacksheepwho’vegoneastray，Baa——aa——aa！
Gentlemen—rankersoutonthespree，DamnedfromheretoEternity，Godha’mercyonsuchaswe，Baa！Yah！Bah！
Oh，it’ssweettosweatthroughstables，sweettoemptykitchenslops，Andit’ssweettohearthetalesthetrooperstell，TodancewithblowzyhousemaidsattheregimentalhopsAndthrashthecadwhosaysyouwaltztoowell。
Yes，itmakesyoucock—a—hooptobe"Rider"toyourtroop，Andbrandedwithablastedworstedspur，Whenyouenvy，Ohowkeenly，onepoorTommybeingcleanlyWhoblacksyourbootsandsometimescallsyou"Sir"。
Ifthehomeweneverwriteto，andtheoathsweneverkeep，Andallweknowmostdistantandmostdear，Acrossthesnoringbarrack—roomreturntobreakoursleep，Canyoublameusifwesoakourselvesinbeer？
Whenthedrunkencomrademuttersandthegreatguard—lanternguttersAndthehorrorofourfalliswrittenplain，Everysecret，self—revealingontheachingwhite—washedceiling，Doyouwonderthatwedrugourselvesfrompain？
WehavedonewithHopeandHonour，wearelosttoLoveandTruth，Wearedroppingdowntheladderrungbyrung，Andthemeasureofourtormentisthemeasureofouryouth。
Godhelpus，forweknewtheworsttooyoung！
Ourshameiscleanrepentanceforthecrimethatbroughtthesentence，Ourprideitistoknownospurofpride，AndtheCurseofReubenholdsustillanalienturfenfoldsusAndwedie，andnonecantellThemwherewedied。
We’repoorlittlelambswho’velostourway，Baa！Baa！Baa！
We’relittleblacksheepwho’vegoneastray，Baa——aa——aa！
Gentlemen—rankersoutonthespree，DamnedfromheretoEternity，Godha’mercyonsuchaswe，Baa！Yah！Bah！
ROUTEMARCHIN’
We’remarchin’onreliefoverInjia’ssunnyplains，Alittlefronto’Christmas—timean’justbe’indtheRains;
Ho！getawayyoubullock—man，you’ve’eardthebugleblowed，There’saregimenta—comin’downtheGrandTrunkRoad;
WithitsbestfootfirstAndtheroada—slidingpast，An’everybloomin’campin’—groundexactlylikethelast;
WhiletheBigDrumsays，With’is"~rowdy—dowdy—dow！~"——
"~Kikokissywarsti~don’tyou~hamsherargyjow？~"*
*Whydon’tyougeton？
Oh，there’sthemInjiantemplestoadmirewhenyousee，There’sthepeacockroundthecorneran’themonkeyupthetree，An’there’sthatrummysilvergrassa—wavin’inthewind，An’theoldGrandTrunka—trailin’likearifle—slingbe’ind。
Whileit’sbestfootfirst，……
Athalf—pastfive’sRevelly，an’ourtentstheydownmustcome，Likealotofbuttonmushroomswhenyoupick’emupat’ome。
Butit’soverinaminute，an’atsixthecolumnstarts，Whilethewomenandthekiddiessitan’shiverinthecarts。
An’it’sbestfootfirst，……
Oh，thenit’sopenorder，an’welightsourpipesan’sings，An’wetalksaboutourrationsan’alotofotherthings，An’wethinkso’friendsinEngland，an’wewonderswhatthey’reat，An’’owtheywouldadmirefortohearusslingthe~bat~。*
An’it’sbestfootfirst，……
*Language。Thomas’sfirstandfirmestconvictionisthatheisaprofoundOrientalistandafluentspeakerofHindustani。
Asamatteroffact，hedependslargelyonthesign—language。
It’snonesobado’Sunday，whenyou’relyin’atyourease，Towatchthekitesa—wheelin’roundthemfeather—’eadedtrees，Foralthoughthereain’tnowomen，yetthereain’tnobarrick—yards，Sotheorficersgoesshootin’an’thementheyplaysatcards。
Tillit’sbestfootfirst，……
So’arkan’’eed，yourookies，whichisalwaysgrumblin’sore，There’sworserthingsthanmarchin’fromUmballatoCawnpore;
An’ifyour’eelsareblisteredan’theyfeelsto’urtlike’ell，Youdropsometallowinyoursocksan’thatwillmake’emwell。
Forit’sbestfootfirst，……
We’remarchin’onreliefoverInjia’scoralstrand，Eight’undredfightin’Englishmen，theColonel，andtheBand;
Ho！getawayyoubullock—man，you’ve’eardthebugleblowed，There’saregimenta—comin’downtheGrandTrunkRoad;
WithitsbestfootfirstAndtheroada—slidingpast，An’everybloomin’campin’—groundexactlylikethelast;
WhiletheBigDrumsays，With’is"~rowdy—dowdy—dow！~"——
"~Kikokissywarsti~don’tyou~hamsherargyjow？~"
SHILLIN’ADAY
MynameisO’Kelly，I’veheardtheRevellyFromBirrtoBareilly，fromLeedstoLahore，Hong—KongandPeshawur，LucknowandEtawah，Andfifty—fivemoreallendin’in"pore"。
BlackDeathandhisquickness，thedepthandthethickness，OfsorrowandsicknessI’veknownonmyway，ButI’moldandI’mnervis，I’mcastfromtheService，AndallIdeserveisashillin’aday。
（~Chorus~）Shillin’aday，Bloomin’goodpay——
Luckytotouchit，ashillin’aday！
Oh，itdrivesmehalfcrazytothinkofthedaysI
WentslapfortheGhazi，myswordatmyside，WhenwerodeHell—for—leatherBothsquadronstogether，Thatdidn’tcarewhetherwelivedorwedied。
Butit’snousedespairin’，mywifemustgocharin’
An’mecommissairin’thepay—billstobetter，Soifmeyoube’oldInthewetandthecold，BytheGrandMetropold，won’tyougivemealetter？
（~Fullchorus~）Give’imaletter——
’Can’tdonobetter，LateTroop—Sergeant—Majoran’——runswithaletter！
Thinkwhat’e’sbeen，Thinkwhat’e’sseen，Thinkofhispensionan’————
GAWDSAVETHEQUEEN。
OTHERVERSES
THEBALLADOFEASTANDWEST
Oh，EastisEast，andWestisWest，andneverthetwainshallmeet，TillEarthandSkystandpresentlyatGod’sgreatJudgmentSeat;
ButthereisneitherEastnorWest，Border，norBreed，norBirth，Whentwostrongmenstandfacetoface，tho’theycomefromtheendsoftheearth！
KamalisoutwithtwentymentoraisetheBorder—side，AndhehasliftedtheColonel’smarethatistheColonel’spride：
Hehasliftedheroutofthestable—doorbetweenthedawnandtheday，Andturnedthecalkinsuponherfeet，andriddenherfaraway。
ThenupandspoketheColonel’ssonthatledatroopoftheGuides：
"IsthereneveramanofallmymencansaywhereKamalhides？"
ThenupandspokeMahommedKhan，thesonoftheRessaldar：
"Ifyeknowthetrackofthemorning—mist，yeknowwherehispicketsare。
AtduskheharriestheAbazai——atdawnheisintoBonair，ButhemustgobyFortBuklohtohisownplacetofare，SoifyegalloptoFortBuklohasfastasabirdcanfly，BythefavourofGodyemaycuthimofferehewintotheTongueofJagai。
ButifhebepasttheTongueofJagai，rightswiftlyturnyethen，ForthelengthandthebreadthofthatgrislyplainissownwithKamal’smen。
Thereisrocktotheleft，androcktotheright，andlowleanthornbetween，Andyemayhearabreech—boltsnickwhereneveramanisseen。"
TheColonel’ssonhastakenahorse，andarawroughdunwashe，WiththemouthofabellandtheheartofHellandtheheadofthegallows—tree。
TheColonel’ssontotheForthaswon，theybidhimstaytoeat——
WhoridesatthetailofaBorderthief，hesitsnotlongathismeat。
He’supandawayfromFortBuklohasfastashecanfly，Tillhewasawareofhisfather’smareinthegutoftheTongueofJagai，Tillhewasawareofhisfather’smarewithKamaluponherback，Andwhenhecouldspythewhiteofhereye，hemadethepistolcrack。
Hehasfiredonce，hehasfiredtwice，butthewhistlingballwentwide。
"Yeshootlikeasoldier，"Kamalsaid。"Shownowifyecanride。"
It’supandovertheTongueofJagai，asblowndustdevilsgo，Thedunhefledlikeastagoften，butthemarelikeabarrendoe。
Thedunheleanedagainstthebitandsluggedhisheadabove，Buttheredmareplayedwiththesnaffle—bars，asamaidenplayswithaglove。
Therewasrocktotheleftandrocktotheright，andlowleanthornbetween，Andthriceheheardabreech—boltsnicktho’neveramanwasseen。
Theyhaveriddenthelowmoonoutofthesky，theirhoofsdrumupthedawn，Thedunhewentlikeawoundedbull，butthemarelikeanew—rousedfawn。
Thedunhefellatawater—course——inawofulheapfellhe，AndKamalhasturnedtheredmareback，andpulledtheriderfree。
Hehasknockedthepistoloutofhishand——smallroomwastheretostrive，"’Twasonlybyfavourofmine，"quothhe，"yerodesolongalive：
Therewasnotarockfortwentymile，therewasnotaclumpoftree，Butcoveredamanofmyownmenwithhisriflecockedonhisknee。
IfIhadraisedmybridle—hand，asIhavehelditlow，Thelittlejackalsthatfleesofastwerefeastingallinarow：
IfIhadbowedmyheadonmybreast，asIhaveheldithigh，Thekitethatwhistlesaboveusnowweregorgedtillshecouldnotfly。"
LightlyansweredtheColonel’sson："Dogoodtobirdandbeast，Butcountwhocomeforthebrokenmeatsbeforethoumakestafeast。
Ifthereshouldfollowathousandswordstocarrymybonesaway，Belikethepriceofajackal’smealweremorethanathiefcouldpay。
Theywillfeedtheirhorseonthestandingcrop，theirmenonthegarneredgrain，Thethatchofthebyreswillservetheirfireswhenallthecattleareslain。
Butifthouthinkestthepricebefair，——thybrethrenwaittosup，Thehoundiskintothejackal—spawn，——howl，dog，andcallthemup！
Andifthouthinkestthepricebehigh，insteerandgearandstack，Givememyfather’smareagain，andI’llfightmyownwayback！"
Kamalhasgrippedhimbythehandandsethimuponhisfeet。
"Notalkshallbeofdogs，"saidhe，"whenwolfandgraywolfmeet。
MayIeatdirtifthouhasthurtofmeindeedorbreath;
WhatdamoflancesbroughttheeforthtojestatthedawnwithDeath？"
LightlyansweredtheColonel’sson："Iholdbythebloodofmyclan：
Takeupthemareformyfather’sgift——byGod，shehascarriedaman！"
TheredmarerantotheColonel’sson，andnuzzledagainsthisbreast;
"Webetwostrongmen，"saidKamalthen，"butsheloveththeyoungerbest。
Sosheshallgowithalifter’sdower，myturquoise—studdedrein，Mybroideredsaddleandsaddle—cloth，andsilverstirrupstwain。"
TheColonel’ssonapistoldrewandhelditmuzzle—end，"Yehavetakentheonefromafoe，"saidhe;
"willyetakethematefromafriend？"
"Agiftforagift，"saidKamalstraight;"alimbfortheriskofalimb。
Thyfatherhassenthissontome，I’llsendmysontohim！"
Withthathewhistledhisonlyson，thatdroppedfromamountain—crest——
Hetrodthelinglikeabuckinspring，andhelookedlikealanceinrest。
"Nowhereisthymaster，"Kamalsaid，"wholeadsatroopoftheGuides，Andthoumustrideathisleftsideasshieldonshoulderrides。
TillDeathorIcutloosethetie，atcampandboardandbed，Thylifeishis——thyfateitistoguardhimwiththyhead。
So，thoumusteattheWhiteQueen’smeat，andallherfoesarethine，Andthoumustharrythyfather’sholdforthepeaceoftheBorder—line，Andthoumustmakeatroopertoughandhackthywaytopower——
BeliketheywillraisetheetoRessaldarwhenIamhangedinPeshawur。"
Theyhavelookedeachotherbetweentheeyes，andtheretheyfoundnofault，TheyhavetakentheOathoftheBrother—in—Bloodonleavenedbreadandsalt：
TheyhavetakentheOathoftheBrother—in—Bloodonfireandfresh—cutsod，OnthehiltandthehaftoftheKhyberknife，andtheWondrousNamesofGod。
TheColonel’ssonheridesthemareandKamal’sboythedun，AndtwohavecomebacktoFortBuklohwheretherewentforthbutone。
AndwhentheydrewtotheQuarter—Guard，fulltwentyswordsflewclear——
Therewasnotamanbutcarriedhisfeudwiththebloodofthemountaineer。
"Ha’done！ha’done！"saidtheColonel’sson。
"Putupthesteelatyoursides！
LastnightyehadstruckataBorderthief——
to—night’tisamanoftheGuides！"
Oh，EastisEast，andWestisWest，andneverthetwainshallmeet，TillEarthandSkystandpresentlyatGod’sgreatJudgmentSeat;
ButthereisneitherEastnorWest，Border，norBreed，norBirth，Whentwostrongmenstandfacetoface，tho’theycomefromtheendsoftheearth！
THELASTSUTTEE
NotmanyyearsagoaKingdiedinoneoftheRajpootStates。
Hiswives，disregardingtheordersoftheEnglishagainstSuttee，wouldhavebrokenoutofthepalacehadnotthegatesbeenbarred。
Butoneofthem，disguisedastheKing’sfavouritedancing—girl，passedthroughthelineofguardsandreachedthepyre。There，hercouragefailing，sheprayedhercousin，abaronofthecourt，tokillher。Thishedid，notknowingwhoshewas。
UdaiChandlaysicktodeathInhisholdbyGungrahill。
Allnightweheardthedeath—gongsringForthesoulofthedyingRajpootKing，Allnightbeatupfromthewomen’swingAcrythatwecouldnotstill。
Allnightthebaronscameandwent，Thelordsoftheouterguard：
AllnightthecressetsglimmeredpaleOnUlwarsabreandTonkjezail，MewarheadstallandMarwarmail，Thatclinkedinthepalaceyard。
IntheGoldenroomonthepalaceroofAllnighthefoughtforair：
Andtherewassobbingbehindthescreen，Rustleandwhisperofwomenunseen，AndthehungryeyesoftheBoondiQueenOnthedeathshemightnotshare。
Hepassedatdawn——thedeath—fireleapedFromridgetoriver—head，FromtheMalwaplainstotheAbuscars：
AndwailuponwailwentuptothestarsBehindthegrimzenana—bars，WhentheyknewthattheKingwasdead。
ThedumbpriestknelttotiehismouthAndrobehimforthepyre。
TheBoondiQueenbeneathuscried：
"See，now，thatwedieasourmothersdiedInthebridal—bedbyourmaster’sside！
Out，women！——tothefire！"
Wedrovethegreatgateshomeapace：
Whitehandswereonthesill：
ButeretherushoftheunseenfeetHadreachedtheturntotheopenstreet，Thebarsshotdown，theguard—drumbeat——
Weheldthedovecotstill。
Afacelookeddowninthegatheringday，Andlaughingspokefromthewall：
"Oh]/e，theymournhere：letmeby——
Azizun，theLucknownautch—girl，I！
Whenthehouseisrotten，theratsmustfly，AndIseekanotherthrall。
"ForIruledtheKingasne’erdidQueen，——
To—nighttheQueensruleme！
Guardthemsafely，butletmego，OrevertheypaythedebttheyoweInscourgeandtorture！"Sheleapedbelow，Andthegrimguardwatchedherflee。
TheyknewthattheKinghadspenthissoulOnaNorth—breddancing—girl：
Thatheprayedtoaflat—nosedLucknowgod，Andkissedthegroundwhereherfeethadtrod，Anddoomedtodeathatherdrunkennod，Andsworebyherlightestcurl。
WeboretheKingtohisfathers’place，WherethetombsoftheSun—bornstand：
Wherethegrayapesswing，andthepeacockspreenOnfrettedpillarandjewelledscreen，AndthewildboarcouchinthehouseoftheQueenOnthedriftofthedesertsand。
Theheraldreadhistitlesforth，Wesetthelogsaglow：
"FriendoftheEnglish，freefromfear，BaronofLunitoJeysulmeer，LordoftheDesertofBikaneer，KingoftheJungle，——go！"
AllnighttheredflamestabbedtheskyWithwaveringwind—tossedspears：
AndoutofashatteredtemplecreptAwomanwhoveiledherheadandwept，AndcalledontheKing——butthegreatKingslept，Andturnednotforhertears。
Smallthoughthadhetomarkthestrife——
Coldfearwithhotdesire——
Whenthricesheleapedfromtheleapingflame，Andthriceshebeatherbreastforshame，AndthricelikeawoundeddoveshecameAndmoanedaboutthefire。
Onewatched，abow—shotfromtheblaze，Thesilentstreetsbetween，WhohadstoodbytheKinginsportandfray，Tobladeinambushorboaratbay，Andhewasabaronoldandgray，AndkintotheBoondiQueen。
Hesaid："Oshameless，putasideTheveiluponthybrow！
WhoheldtheKingandallhislandTothewantonwillofaharlot’shand！
Willthewhiteashrisefromtheblisteredbrand？
Stoopdown，andcallhimnow！"
Thenshe："Bythefaithofmytarnishedsoul，AllthingsIdidnotwell，Ihadhopedtoclearerethefiredied，Andlaymedownbymymaster’ssideToruleinHeavenhisonlybride，WhiletheothershowlinHell。
"ButIhavefeltthefire’sbreath，Andharditistodie！
YetifImayprayaRajpootlordTosullythesteelofaThakur’sswordWithbase—bornbloodofatradeabhorred，"——
AndtheThakuranswered，"Ay。"
Hedrewandstruck：thestraightbladedrankThelifebeneaththebreast。
"IhadlookedfortheQueentofacetheflame，ButtheharlotdiesfortheRajpootdame——
Sisterofmine，pass，freefromshame，PasswiththyKingtorest！"
Theblacklogcrashedabovethewhite：
Thelittleflamesandlean，Redasslaughterandblueassteel，Thatwhistledandflutteredfromheadtoheel，Leapedupanew，fortheyfoundtheirmealOntheheartof——theBoondiQueen！
THEBALLADOFTHEKING’SMERCY
AbdhurRahman，theDuraniChief，ofhimisthestorytold。
HismercyfillstheKhyberhills——hisgraceismanifold;
HehastakentolloftheNorthandtheSouth——
hisgloryreachethfar，AndtheytellthetaleofhischarityfromBalkhtoKandahar。
BeforetheoldPeshawurGate，whereKurdandKaffirmeet，TheGovernorofKabuldealttheJusticeoftheStreet，Andthatwasstraitasrunningnooseandswiftasplungingknife，Tho’hewhoheldthelongerpursemightholdthelongerlife。
TherewasahoundofHindustanhadstruckaEuzufzai，Whereforetheyspatuponhisfaceandledhimouttodie。
ItchancedtheKingwentforththathourwhenthroatwasbaredtoknife;
TheKaffirgrovelledunder—hoofandclamouredforhislife。
ThensaidtheKing："Havehope，Ofriend！Yea，Deathdisgracedishard;
Muchhonourshallbethine";andcalledtheCaptainoftheGuard，YarKhan，abastardoftheBlood，socity—babblesaith，AndhewashonouredoftheKing——thewhichissalttoDeath;
AndhewassonofDaoudShah，theReiverofthePlains，AndbloodofoldDuraniLordsranfireinhisveins;
And’twastotameanAfghanpridenorHellnorHeavencouldbind，TheKingwouldmakehimbutchertoayelpingcurofHind。
"Strike！"saidtheKing。"King’sbloodartthou——
hisdeathshallbehispride！"
Thenlouder，thatthecrowdmightcatch："Fearnot——hisarmsaretied！"
YarKhandrewcleartheKhyberknife，andstruck，andsheathedagain。
"Oman，thywillisdone，"quothhe;"aKingthisdoghathslain。"
AbdhurRahman，theDuraniChief，totheNorthandtheSouthissold。
TheNorthandtheSouthshallopentheirmouthtoaGhilzaiflagunrolled，WhenthebiggunsspeaktotheKhyberpeak，andhisdog—Heratisfly：
Yehaveheardthesong——Howlong？Howlong？
WolvesoftheAbazai！
Thatnightbeforethewatchwasset，whenallthestreetswereclear，TheGovernorofKabulspoke："MyKing，hastthounofear？
Thouknowest——thouhastheard，"——hisspeechdiedathismaster’sface。
AndgrimlysaidtheAfghanKing："IruletheAfghanrace。
Mypathismine——seethoutothine——to—nightuponthybedThinkwhotherebeinKabulnowthatclamourforthyhead。"
ThatnightwhenallthegateswereshuttoCityandtothrone，Withinalittlegarden—housetheKinglaydownalone。
Beforethesinkingofthemoon，whichistheNightofNight，YarKhancamesoftlytotheKingtomakehishonourwhite。
Thechildrenofthetownhadmockedbeneathhishorse’shoofs，Theharlotsofthetownhadhailedhim"butcher！"fromtheirroofs。
Butashegropedagainstthewall，twohandsuponhimfell，TheKingbehindhisshoulderspake："Deadman，thoudostnotwell！
’TisilltojestwithKingsbydayandseekaboonbynight;
Andthatthoubearestinthyhandisalltoosharptowrite。
Butthreedayshence，ifGodbegood，andifthystrengthremain，Thoushaltdemandoneboonofmeandblessmeinthypain。
ForIammercifultoall，andmostofalltothee。
Mybutcheroftheshambles，rest——noknifehastthouforme！"
AbdhurRahman，theDuraniChief，holdshardbytheSouthandtheNorth;
ButtheGhilzaiknows，erethemeltingsnows，whentheswollenbanksbreakforth，Whenthered—coatscrawltothesungarwall，andhisUsbeglancesfail：
Yehaveheardthesong——Howlong？Howlong？
WolvesoftheZukaKheyl！
Theystonedhimintherubbish—fieldwhendawnwasinthesky，Accordingtothewrittenword，"Seethathedonotdie。"
Theystonedhimtillthestoneswerepiledabovehimontheplain，Andthosethelabouringlimbsdisplacedtheytumbledbackagain。
Onewatchedbesidethedrearymoundthatveiledthebatteredthing，AndhimtheKingwithlaughtercalledtheHeraldoftheKing。
Itwasuponthesecondnight，thenightofRamazan，ThewatcherleaningearthwardheardthemessageofYarKhan。
Fromshatteredbreastthroughshrivelledlipsbrokeforththerattlingbreath，"CreatureofGod，delivermefromagonyofDeath。"
TheysoughttheKingamonghisgirls，andriskedtheirlivesthereby：
"ProtectorofthePitiful，giveordersthathedie！"
"Bidhimendureuntiltheday，"alagginganswercame;
"Thenightisshort，andhecanprayandlearntoblessmyname。"
Beforethedawnthreetimeshespoke，andonthedayoncemore：
"CreatureofGod，deliverme，andblesstheKingtherefor！"
Theyshothimatthemorningprayer，toeasehimofhispain，Andwhenheheardthematchlocksclink，heblessedtheKingagain。
Whichthingthesingersmadeasongforalltheworldtosing，SothattheOuterSeasmayknowthemercyoftheKing。
AbdhurRahman，theDuraniChief，ofhimisthestorytold，HehasopenedhismouthtotheNorthandtheSouth，theyhavestuffedhismouthwithgold。
Yeknowthetruthofhistenderruth——andsweethisfavoursare：
Yehaveheardthesong——Howlong？Howlong？
fromBalkhtoKandahar。
THEBALLADOFTHEKING’SJEST
Whenspring—timeflushesthedesertgrass，OurkafilaswindthroughtheKhyberPass。
Leanarethecamelsbutfatthefrails，Lightarethepursesbutheavythebales，AsthesnowboundtradeoftheNorthcomesdownTothemarket—squareofPeshawurtown。
Inaturquoisetwilight，crispandchill，Akafilacampedatthefootofthehill。
Thenbluesmoke—hazeofthecookingrose，Andtent—pegansweredtohammer—nose;
Andthepicketedponies，shagandwild，Strainedattheirropesasthefeedwaspiled;
AndthebubblingcamelsbesidetheloadSprawledforafurlongadowntheroad;
AndthePersianpussy—cats，broughtforsale，Spatatthedogsfromthecamel—bale;
Andthetribesmenbellowedtohastenthefood;
Andthecamp—firestwinkledbyFortJumrood;
AndtherefledonthewingsofthegatheringduskAsavourofcamelsandcarpetsandmusk，Amurmurofvoices，areekofsmoke，TotellusthetradeoftheKhyberwoke。
Thelidoftheflesh—potchatteredhigh，Thekniveswerewhettedand——thencameI
ToMahbubAlithemuleteer，Patchinghisbridlesandcountinghisgear，Crammedwiththegossipofhalfayear。
ButMahbubAlithekindlysaid，"Betterisspeechwhenthebellyisfed。"
Soweplungedthehandtothemid—wristdeepInacinnamonstewofthefat—tailedsheep，Andhewhoneverhathtastedthefood，ByAllah！heknowethnotbadfromgood。
Wecleansedourbeardsofthemutton—grease，Welayonthematsandwerefilledwithpeace，Andthetalkslidnorth，andthetalkslidsouth，Withtheslidingpuffsfromthehookah—mouth。
Fourthingsgreaterthanallthingsare，——
WomenandHorsesandPowerandWar。
Wespakeofthemall，butthelastthemost，ForIsoughtawordofaRussianpost，Ofashiftypromise，anunsheathedswordAndagray—coatguardontheHelmundford。
ThenMahbubAliloweredhiseyesInthefashionofonewhoisweavinglies。
Quothhe："OftheRussianswhocansay？
Whenthenightisgatheringallisgray。
ButwelookthatthegloomofthenightshalldieInthemorningflushofablood—redsky。
Friendofmyheart，isitmeetorwiseTowarnaKingofhisenemies？
WeknowwhatHeavenorHellmaybring，ButnomanknoweththemindoftheKing。
ThatunsoughtcounseliscursedofGodAttesteththestoryofWaliDad。
"Hissirewasleakyoftongueandpen，HisdamwasacluckingKhuttuckhen;
Andthecoltbredclosetotheviceofeach，Forhecarriedthecurseofanunstanchedspeech。
Therewithmadness——sothathesoughtThefavourofkingsattheKabulcourt;
Andtravelled，inhopeofhonour，farTothelinewherethegray—coatsquadronsare。
TherehaveIjourneyedtoo——butI
Sawnaught，saidnaught，and——didnotdie！
Heharkedtorumour，andsnatchedatabreathOf`thisoneknoweth’and`thatonesaith’，——
LegendsthatranfrommouthtomouthOfagray—coatcoming，andsackoftheSouth。
ThesehaveIalsoheard——theypassWitheachnewspringandthewintergrass。
"Hot—footsouthward，forgottenofGod，BacktothecityranWaliDad，EventoKabul——infulldurbarTheKingheldtalkwithhisChiefinWar。
Intothepressofthecrowdhebroke，Andwhathehadheardofthecomingspoke。
"ThenGholamHyder，theRedChief，smiled，Asamothermightonababblingchild;
Butthosewhowouldlaughrestrainedtheirbreath，WhenthefaceoftheKingshoweddarkasdeath。
EvilitisinfulldurbarTocrytoarulerofgatheringwar！
Slowlyheledtoapeach—treesmall，Thatgrewbyacleftofthecitywall。
Andhesaidtotheboy：`TheyshallpraisethyzealSolongastheredspurtfollowsthesteel。
AndtheRussisuponusevennow？
Greatisthyprudence——awaitthem，thou。
Watchfromthetree。Thouartyoungandstrong，Surelythyvigilisnotforlong。
TheRussisuponus，thyclamourran？
Surelyanhourshallbringtheirvan。
Waitandwatch。Whenthehostisnear，Shoutaloudthatmymenmayhear。’
"Friendofmyheart，isitmeetorwiseTowarnaKingofhisenemies？
Aguardwassetthathemightnotflee——
Ascoreofbayonetsringedthetree。
Thepeach—bloomfellinshowersofsnow，Whenheshookathisdeathashelookedbelow。
BythepowerofGod，whoaloneisgreat，Tilltheseventhdayhefoughtwithhisfate。
Thenmadnesstookhim，andmendeclareHemowedinthebranchesasapeandbear，Andlastasasloth，erehisbodyfailed，Andhehungasabatintheforks，andwailed，Andsleepthecordofhishandsuntied，Andhefell，andwascaughtonthepointsanddied。
"Heartofmyheart，isitmeetorwiseTowarnaKingofhisenemies？
WeknowwhatHeavenorHellmaybring，ButnomanknoweththemindoftheKing。
Ofthegray—coatcomingwhocansay？
Whenthenightisgatheringallisgray。
Twothingsgreaterthanallthingsare，ThefirstisLove，andthesecondWar。
AndsinceweknownothowWarmayprove，Heartofmyheart，letustalkofLove！"
WITHSCINDIATODELHI
Morethanahundredyearsago，inagreatbattlefoughtnearDelhi，anIndianPrincerodefiftymilesafterthedaywaslostwithabeggar—girl，whohadlovedhimandfollowedhiminallhiscamps，onhissaddle—bow。Helostthegirlwhenalmostwithinsightofsafety。
AMarattatroopertellsthestory：——
Thewreathofbanquetovernightlaywitheredontheneck，Ourhandsandscarfsweresaffron—dyedforsignalofdespair，WhenwewentforthtoPaniputtobattlewiththe~Mlech~，——
ErewecamebackfromPaniputandleftakingdomthere。
ThricethirtythousandmenwerewetoforcetheJumnafords——
Thehawk—wingedhorseofDamajee，mailedsquadronsoftheBhao，Starkleviesofthesouthernhills，theDeccan’ssharpestswords，Andhetheharlot’straitorsonthegoatherdMulharRao！
Thricethirtythousandmenwerewebeforethemistshadcleared，Thelowwhitemistsofmorningheardthewar—conchscreamandbray;
WecalleduponBhowaniandwegrippedthembythebeard，Werolleduponthemlikeafloodandwashedtheirranksaway。
ThechildrenofthehillsofKhostbeforeourlancesran，WedrovetheblackRohillasbackascattletothepen;
’TwasthenweneededMulharRaotoendwhatwebegan，Athousandmenhadsavedthecharge;hefledthefieldwithten！
Therewasnoroomtoclearasword——nopowertostrikeablow，Forfoottofoot，ay，breasttobreast，thebattleheldusfast——
Savewherethenakedhill—menran，andstabbingfrombelowBroughtdownthehorseandriderandwetrampledthemandpassed。
Tolefttheroarofmusketryranglikeafallingflood——
Torightthesunshinerippledredfromredderlanceandblade——
Abovethedark~Upsaras~*flew，beneathusplashedtheblood，And，bellyingblackagainstthedust，theBhagwaJhandaswayed。
*TheChoosersoftheSlain。
Isawitfallinsmokeandfire，thebanneroftheBhao;
Iheardavoiceacrossthepressofonewhocalledinvain：——
"Ho！AnandRaoNimbalkhur，ride！GetaidofMulharRao！
Goshamehissquadronsintofight——theBhao——theBhaoisslain！"
Thereat，aswhenasand—barbreaksinclottedspumeandspray——
WhenrainoflaterautumnsweepstheJumnawater—head，Beforetheirchargefromflanktoflankourrivenranksgaveway;
ButofthewatersofthatfloodtheJumnafordsranred。
IheldbyScindia，mylord，ascloseasmanmighthold;
ASoobahoftheDeccanasksnoaidtoguardhislife;
ButHolkar’sHorsewereflying，andourchiefestchiefswerecold，AndlikeaflameamongusleaptthelongleanNorthernknife。
IheldbyScindia——mylancefrombutttotuftwasdyed，Thefrothofbattlebossedtheshieldandropedthebridle—chain——
Whattimebeneathourhorses’feetamaidenroseandcried，AndclungtoScindia，andIturnedasword—cutfromthetwain。
（Hesetaspelluponthemaidinwoodlandslongago，AhunterbytheTaptibanksshegavehimwaterthere：
Heturnedherhearttowater，andshefollowedtoherwoe。
WhatneedhadheofLalunwhohadtwentymaidsasfair？）
Nowinthathourstrengthleftmylord;hewrenchedhismareaside;
Heboundthegirlbehindhimandweslashedandstruggledfree。
AcrossthereelingwreckofstrifewerodeasshadowsrideFromPaniputtoDelhitown，butnotalonewerewe。
’TwasLutuf—UllahPopulzailaidhorseuponourtrack，Aswine—fedreiveroftheNorththatlustedforthemaid;
Imighthavebarredhispathawhile，butScindiacalledmeback，AndI——OwoeforScindia！——Ilistenedandobeyed。
Leagueafterleaguetheformlessscrubtookshapeandglidedby——
Leagueafterleaguethewhiteroadswirledbehindthewhitemare’sfeet——
Leagueafterleague，whenleaguesweredone，weheardthePopulzai，WheresureasTimeandswiftasDeaththetirelessfootfallbeat。
Noon’seyebeheldthatshameofflight，theshadowsfell，wefledWheresteadfastasthewheelingkitehefollowedinourtrain;
Theblackwolfwarredwherewehadwarred，thejackalmockedourdead，Andterrorbornoftwilight—tidemademadthelabouringbrain。
Igasped：——"Akingdomwaitsmylord;herloveisbutherown。
Adayshallmar，adayshallcureforher，butwhatforthee？
Cutloosethegirl：hefollowsfast。Cutlooseandridealone！"
ThenScindia’twixthisblisteredlips：——"MyQueens’Queenshallshebe！
"Ofallwhoatemybreadlastnight’twasshealonethatcameToseekherlovebetweenthespearsandfindhercrowntherein！
Oneshameismineto—day，whatneedtheweightofdoubleshame？
IfoncewereachtheDelhigate，thoughallbelost，Iwin！"
Werode——thewhitemarefailed——hertrotastaggeringstumblegrew，——
Thecooking—smokeofevenroseandwelteredandhunglow;
AndstillweheardthePopulzaiandstillwestrainedanew，AndDelhitownwasverynear，butnearerwasthefoe。
Yea，DelhitownwasverynearwhenLalunwhispered：——"Slay！
Lordofmylife，themaresinksfast——stabdeepandletmedie！"
ButScindiawouldnot，andthemaidtorefreeandflungaway，AndturningasshefellweheardtheclatteringPopulzai。
ThenScindiacheckedthegaspingmarethatrockedandgroanedforbreath，Andwheeledtochargeandplungedtheknifeahand’s—breadthinherside——
Thehunterandthehuntedknowhowthatlastpauseisdeath——
Thebloodhadchilledaboutherheart，sherearedandfellanddied。
OurGodswerekind。Beforeheheardthemaiden’spiteousscreamAlogupontheDelhiroad，beneaththemarehelay——
Lostmistressandlostbattlepassedbeforehimlikeadream;
Thedarknessclosedabouthiseyes——IboremyKingaway。
THEBALLADOFBOHDATHONE
ThisistheballadofBohDaThone，ErstaPretendertoTheebaw’sthrone，WhoharriedthedistrictofAlalone：
HowhemetwithhisfateandtheV。P。P。*
AtthehandofHarendraMukerji，SeniorGomashta，G。B。T。
*ValuePayableParcelsPost：inwhichtheGovernmentcollectsthemoneyforthesender。
BohDaThonewasawarriorbold：
HisswordandhisSniderwerebossedwithgold，AndthePeacockBannerhishenchmenboreWasstiffwithbullion，butstifferwithgore。
HeshotatthestrongandheslashedattheweakFromtheSalweenscrubtotheChindwinteak：
Hecrucifiednoble，hesacrificedmean，Hefilledoldladieswithkerosene：
Whileoverthewaterthepaperscried，"Thepatriotfightsforhiscountryside！"
ButlittletheycaredfortheNativePress，ThewornwhitesoldiersinKhakidress，Whotrampedthroughthejungleandcampedinthebyre，Whodiedintheswampandweretombedinthemire，Whogaveuptheirlives，attheQueen’sCommand，ForthePrideoftheirRaceandthePeaceoftheLand。
Now，firstofthefoemenofBohDaThoneWasCaptainO’Neilofthe"BlackTyrone"，AndhiswasaCompany，seventystrong，WhohustledthatdissoluteChiefalong。
TherewereladsfromGalwayandLouthandMeathWhowenttotheirdeathwithajokeintheirteeth，Andworshippedwithfluency，fervour，andzealThemudontheboot—heelsof"Crook"O’Neil。
Buteverablightontheirlabourslay，Andevertheirquarrywouldvanishaway，Tillthesun—driedboysoftheBlackTyroneTookabrotherlyinterestinBohDaThone：
And，sooth，ifpursuitinpossessionends，TheBohandhistrackerswerebestoffriends。
Thewordofascout——amarchbynight——
Arushthroughthemist——ascatteringfight——
Avolleyfromcover——acorpseintheclearing——
Theglimpseofaloin—clothandheavyjadeearring——
Theflareofavillage——thetallyofslain——
And……theBohwasabroad"ontheraid"again！
Theycursedtheirluck，astheIrishwill，Theygavehimcreditforcunningandskill，Theyburiedtheirdead，theyboltedtheirbeef，AndstartedanewonthetrackofthethiefTill，inplaceofthe"KalendsofGreece"，mensaid，"WhenCrookandhisdarlingscomebackwiththehead。"
TheyhadhuntedtheBohfromthehillstotheplain——
Hedoubledandbrokeforthehillsagain：
Theyhadcrippledhispowerforrapineandraid，Theyhadroutedhimoutofhispetstockade，Andatlast，theycame，whentheDayStartired，Toacampdeserted——avillagefired。
AblackcrossblisteredtheMorning—gold，Andthebodyuponitwasstarkandcold。
Thewindofthedawnwentmerrilypast，Thehighgrassbowedherplumestotheblast。
Andoutofthegrass，onasudden，brokeAspirtleoffire，awhorlofsmoke——
AndCaptainO’NeiloftheBlackTyroneWasblessedwithaslugintheulnar—bone——
ThegiftofhisenemyBohDaThone。
（Nowaslugthatishammeredfromtelegraph—wireIsathorninthefleshandaranklingfire。）……
Theshot—woundfestered——asshot—woundsmayInasteamingbarrackatMandalay。
Theleftarmthrobbed，andtheCaptainswore，"I’dliketobeaftertheBohoncemore！"
Thefeverheldhim——theCaptainsaid，"I’dgiveahundredtolookathishead！"
TheHospitalpunkahscreakedandwhirred，ButBabuHarendra（Gomashta）heard。
Hethoughtofthecane—brake，greenanddank，ThatgirdledhishomebytheDaccatank。
HethoughtofhiswifeandhisHighSchoolson，Hethought——butabandonedthethought——ofagun。
HissleepwasbrokenbyvisionsdreadOfashiningBohwithasilverhead。
Hekepthiscounselandwenthisway，Andswindledthecartmenofhalftheirpay……
Andthemonthswenton，astheworstmustdo，AndtheBohreturnedtotheraidanew。
ButtheCaptainhadquittedthelong—drawnstrife，AndinfarSimooriehadtakenawife。
Andshewasadamselofdelicatemould，Withhairlikethesunshineandheartofgold，AndlittlesheknewthearmsthatembracedHadclovenamanfromthebrowtothewaist：
AndlittlesheknewthatthelovinglipsHadorderedaquiveringlife’seclipse，AndtheeyethatlitatherlightestbreathHadglaredunawedintheGatesofDeath。
（Forthesebemattersamanwouldhide，Asageneralrule，fromaninnocentBride。）
AndlittletheCaptainthoughtofthepast，And，ofallmen，BabuHarendralast……
Butslow，inthesludgeoftheKathunroad，TheGovernmentBullockTraintoteditsload。
Specklessandspotlessandshiningwith~ghee~，IntherearmostcartsattheBabu—jee。
AndeveraphantombeforehimfledOfascowlingBohwithasilverhead。
Thenthelead—cartstuck，thoughthecooliesslaved，Andthecartmenfloggedandtheescortraved;
Andoutofthejungle，withyellsandsqueals，PrancedBohDaThone，andhisgangathisheels！
ThenbelchingblunderbussansweredbackTheSnider’ssnarlandthecarbine’scrack，AndtheblitherevolverbegantosingTothebladethattwangedonthelocking—ring，Andthebrownfleshbluedwherethebay’netkissed，Asthesteelshotbackwithawrenchandatwist，AndthegreatwhitebullockswithonyxeyesWatchedthesoulsofthedeadarise，AndoverthesmokeofthefusilladeThePeacockBannerstaggeredandswayed。
Oh，gayestofscrimmagesmanmayseeIsawell—workedrushontheG。B。T。！
TheBabushookatthehorriblesight，Andgirdedhisponderousloinsforflight，ButFatehadordainedthattheBohshouldstartOnalone—handraidoftherearmostcart，Andoutofthatcart，withabellowofwoe，TheBabufell——flatonthetopoftheBoh！
ForyearshadHarendraservedtheState，Tothegrowthofhispurseandthegirthofhis~p]^et~。
Thereweretwentystone，asthetally—manknows，OnthebroadofthechestofthisbestofBohs。
AndtwentystonefromaheightdischargedArebadforaBohwithaspleenenlarged。
Oh，shortwasthestruggle——severewastheshock——
Hedroppedlikeabullock——helaylikeablock;
AndtheBabuabovehim，convulsedwithfear，Heardthelabouringlife—breathhissedoutinhisear。
AndthusinafashionundignifiedTheprincelypestoftheChindwindied……
TurnnowtoSimooriewhere，lappedinhisease，TheCaptainispettingtheBrideonhisknees，Wherethe~whit~ofthebullet，thewoundedman’sscreamAremixedasthemistofsomedevilishdream——
Forgotten，forgottenthesweatoftheshamblesWherethehill—daisybloomsandthegraymonkeygambols，Fromthesword—beltsetfreeandreleasedfromthesteel，ThePeaceoftheLordiswithCaptainO’Neil……
UpthehilltoSimoorie——mostpatientofdrudges——
Thebagsonhisshoulder，themail—runnertrudges。
"ForCaptainO’Neil，~Sahib~。OnehundredandtenRupeestocollectondelivery。"
Then（Theirbreakfastwasstoppedwhilethescrew—jackandhammerTorewaxcloth，splitteak—wood，andchippedoutthedammer;）
Open—eyed，open—mouthed，onthenapery’ssnow，Withacrashandathud，rolled——theHeadoftheBoh！
Andgummedtothescalpwasaletterwhichran：——
"INFIELDINGFORCESERVICE。
~Encampment~，10thJan。
"DearSir，——Ihavehonourtosend，~asyousaid~，Forfinalapproval（seeunder）Boh’sHead;
"Wastookbymyselfinmostbloodyaffair。
ByHighEducationbroughtpressuretobear。
"NowviolateLiberty，timebeingbad，TomailV。P。P。（rupeeshundred）Pleaseadd"WhateverYourHonourcanpass。PriceofBloodMuchcheapatonehundred，andchildrenwantfood;
"SotrustingYourHonourwillsomewhatretainTrueloveandaffectionforGovt。BullockTrain，"Andshowawfulkindnesstosatisfyme，Iam，GracefulMaster，YourH。MUKERJI。"……
Astherabbitisdrawntotherattlesnake’spower，Asthesmoker’seyefillsattheopiumhour，Asahorsereachesuptothemangerabove，Asthewaitingearyearnsforthewhisperoflove，FromthearmsoftheBride，iron—visagedandslow，TheCaptainbentdowntotheHeadoftheBoh。
Ande’enashelookedontheThingwhereItlay’Twixtthewinkingnewspoonsandthenapkins’array，Thefreedmindfledbacktothelong—agodays——
Thehand—to—handscuffle——thesmokeandtheblaze——
Theforcedmarchatnightandthequickrushatdawn——
Thebanjoattwilight，theburialeremorn——
Thestenchofthemarshes——theraw，piercingsmellWhentheoverhandstabbing—cutsilencedtheyell——
TheoathsofhisIrishthatsurgedwhentheystoodWheretheblackcrosseshungo’ertheKuttamowflood。
AsaderelictshipdriftsawaywiththetideTheCaptainwentoutonthePastfromhisBride，Back，back，throughthespringstothechilloftheyear，WhenhehuntedtheBohfromMaloontoTsaleer。
Astheshapeofacorpsedimmersupthroughdeepwater，Inhiseyelitthepassionlesspassionofslaughter，AndmenwhohadfoughtwithO’NeilforthelifeHadgazedonhisfacewithlessdreadthanhiswife。
Forshewhohadheldhimsolongcouldnotholdhim——
Thoughafour—monthEternityshouldhavecontrolledhim——
ButwatchedthetwinTerror——theheadturnedtohead——
Thescowling，scarredBlack，andtheflushedsavageRed——
ThespiritthatchangedfromherknowingandflewtoSomegrimhiddenPastshehadneveraclueto。
ButItknewasItgrinned，forhetoucheditunfearing，Andmutteredaloud，"Soyoukeptthatjadeearring！"
Thennodded，andkindly，asfriendnodstofriend，"Oldman，youfoughtwell，butyoulostintheend。"……
Thevisionsdeparted，andShamefollowedPassion：——
"HetookwhatIsaidinthishorriblefashion，"~I’ll~writetoHarendra！"WithlanguageunsaintedTheCaptaincamebacktotheBride……whohadfainted……
Andthisisafiction？No。GotoSimoorieAndlookattheirbaby，atwelve—montholdHouri，Apertlittle，Irish—eyedKathleenMavournin——
She’salwaysaboutontheMallofamornin’——
Andyou’llsee，ifherrightshoulder—strapisdisplaced，This：~Gules~upon~argent~，aBoh’sHead，~erased！~
THELAMENTOFTHEBORDERCATTLETHIEF
OwoeismeforthemerrylifeIledbeyondtheBar，AndatreblewoeformywinsomewifeThatweepsatShalimar。
Theyhavetakenawaymylongjezail，Myshieldandsabrefine，AndheavedmeintotheCentraljailForliftingofthekine。
Thesteermaylowwithinthebyre，TheJatmaytendhisgrain，Butthere’llbeneitherlootnorfireTillIcomebackagain。
AndGodhavemercyontheJatWhenoncemyfettersfall，AndHeavendefendthefarmer’shutWhenIamloosedfromthrall。
It’swoetobendthestubbornbackAbovethegrinchingquern，It’swoetoheartheleg—barclackAndjinglewhenIturn！
Butforthesorrowandtheshame，Thebrandonmeandmine，I’llpayyoubackinleapingflameAndlossofthebutcheredkine。
ForeverycowIsparedbeforeIncharitysetfree，IfImayreachmyholdoncemoreI’llreiveanhonestthree。
ForeverytimeIraisedthelowThatscaredthedustyplain，Byswordandcord，bytorchandtowI’lllightthelandwithtwain！
Ridehard，ridehardtoAbazai，Young~Sahib~withtheyellowhair——
Lieclose，liecloseaskhuttuckslie，FatherdsbelowBonair！
TheoneI’llshootattwilight—tide，AtdawnI’lldrivetheother;
Theblackshallmournforhoofandhide，Thewhitemanforhisbrother。
’Tiswar，redwar，I’llgiveyouthen，Wartillmysinewsfail;
Forthewrongyouhavedonetoachiefofmen，AndathiefoftheZukkaKheyl。
AndifIfalltoyourhandafreshIgiveyouleaveforthesin，Thatyoucrammythroatwiththefoulpig’sflesh，Andswingmeintheskin！
THERHYMEOFTHETHREECAPTAINS
ThisballadappearstorefertooneoftheexploitsofthenotoriousPaulJones，theAmericanpirate。Itisfoundedonfact……Atthecloseofawinterday，Theiranchorsdown，byLondontown，theThreeGreatCaptainslay;
AndonewasAdmiraloftheNorthfromSolwayFirthtoSkye，AndonewasLordoftheWessexcoastandallthelandsthereby，AndonewasMasteroftheThamesfromLimehousetoBlackwall，AndhewasCaptainoftheFleet——thebravestofthemall。
Theirgoodgunsguardedtheirgreatgraysidesthatwerethirtyfootinthesheer，Whentherecameacertaintrading—brigwithnewsofaprivateer。
HerriggingwasroughwiththeclotteddriftthatdrivesinaNorthernbreeze，HersideswerecloggedwiththelazyweedthatspawnsintheEasternseas。
Lightsherodeintherudetide—rip，toleftandrightsherolled，Andtheskippersatonthescuttle—buttandstaredatanemptyhold。
"Iha’paidPortduesforyourLaw，"quothhe，"andwhereistheLawyeboastIfIsailunscathedfromaheathenporttoberobbedonaChristiancoast？
YehavesmokedthehivesoftheLaccadivesasweburntheliceinabunk，WetacknotnowtoaGallangproworaplungingPei—hojunk;
IhadnofearbuttheseaswereclearasfarasasailmightfareTillImetwithalime—washedYankeebrigthatrodeoffFinisterre。
Therewerecanvasblindstohisbow—gunportstoscreentheweighthebore，AndthesignalsranforamerchantmanfromSandyHooktotheNore。
HewouldnotflytheRovers’flag——thebloodyortheblack，ButnowhefloatedtheGridironandnowheflauntedtheJack。
HespokeoftheLawashecrimpedmycrew——hesworeitwasonlyaloan;
ButwhenIwouldaskformyownagain，hesworeitwasnoneofmyown。
HehastakenmylittleparrakeetsthatnestbeneaththeLine，Hehasstrippedmyrailsoftheshaddock—frailsandthegreenunripenedpine;
HehastakenmybaleofdammerandspiceIwonbeyondtheseas，Hehastakenmygrinningheathengods——andwhatshouldhewanto’these？
Myforemastwouldnotmendhisboom，mydeckhousepatchhisboats;
Hehaswhittledthetwo，thisYankYahoo，topeddleforshoe—pegoats。
Icouldnotfightforthefailinglightandaroughbeam—seabeside，ButIhulledhimonceforaclumsycrimpandtwicebecausehelied。
HadIhadguns（asIhadgoods）toworkmyChristianharm，Ihadrunhimupfromhisquarter—decktotradewithhisownyard—arm;
Ihadnailedhisearstomycapstan—head，andrippedthemoffwithasaw，Andsousedtheminthebilgewater，andservedthemtohimraw;
Ihadflunghimblindinarudderlessboattorotintherockingdark，Ihadtowedhimaftofhisowncraft，abaitforhisbrothershark;
Ihadlappedhimroundwithcocoahusk，anddrenchedhimwiththeoil，Andlashedhimfasttohisownmasttoblazeabovemyspoil;
Ihadstrippedhishideformyhammock—side，andtasselledhisbeardi’themesh，Andspittedhiscrewonthelivebamboothatgrowsthroughthegangrenedflesh;
Ihadhovehimdownbythemangrovesbrown，wherethemud—reefsucksanddraws，Mooredbytheheeltohisownkeeltowaitfortheland—crab’sclaws！
Heislazarwithinandlimewithout，yecannosehimfarenow，Forhecarriesthetaintofamuskyship——thereekoftheslaver’sdhow！"
Theskipperlookedatthetieringgunsandthebulwarkstallandcold，AndtheCaptainsThreefullcourteouslypeereddownattheguttedhold，AndtheCaptainsThreecalledcourteouslyfromdecktoscuttle—butt：——
"GoodSir，weha’dealtwiththatmerchantmanoreveryourteethwerecut。
Yourwordsbewordsofalawlessrace，andtheLawitstandeththus：
HecomesofaracethathaveneveraLaw，andheneverhasboardedus。
Weha’soldhimcanvasandropeandspar——weknowthathispriceisfair，AndweknowthatheweepsforthelackofaLawasheridesoffFinisterre。
Andsinceheisdamnedforagallows—thiefbyyouandbetterthanyou，WeholditmeetthattheEnglishfleetshouldknowthatweholdhimtrue。"
Theskippercalledtothetalltaffrail：——"Andwhatisthattome？
DideveryouhearofaYankeebrigthatrifledaSeventy—three？
DoIloomsolargefromyourquarter—deckthatIliftlikeashipo’theLine？
Hehaslearnedtorunfromashottedgunandharrysuchcraftasmine。
ThereisneveraLawontheCocosKeystoholdawhitemanin，Butwedonotstealtheniggers’meal，forthatisanigger’ssin。
MusthehavehisLawasaquidtochaw，orlaidinbrassonhiswheel？
Doeshestealwithtearswhenhebuccaneers？
’ForeGad，then，whydoeshesteal？"
Theskipperbitonadeep—seaword，andtheworditwasnotsweet，ForhecouldseetheCaptainsThreehadsignalledtotheFleet。
Butthreeandtwo，inwhiteandblue，thewhimperingflagsbegan：——
"Wehaveheardataleofa——foreignsail，butheisamerchantman。"
TheskipperpeeredbeneathhispalmandsworebytheGreatHornSpoon：——
"’ForeGad，theChaplainoftheFleetwouldblessmypicaroon！"
Bytwoandthreetheflagsblewfreetolashthelaughingair：——
"Wehavesoldoursparstothemerchantman——weknowthathispriceisfair。"
TheskipperwinkedhisWesterneye，andsworebyaChinastorm：——
"Theyha’riggedhimaJoseph’sjury—coattokeephishonourwarm。"
Thehalliardstwangedagainstthetops，thebuntingbelliedbroad，Theskipperspatintheemptyholdandmournedforawastedcord。
Masthead——masthead，thesignalspedbythelineo’theBritishcraft;
TheskippercalledtohisLascarcrew，andputheraboutandlaughed：——
"It’smainsailhaul，mybullyboysall——we’llouttotheseasagain——
Eretheysetustopainttheirpiratesaint，orscrubathisgrapnel—chain。
It’sfore—sheetfree，withherheadtothesea，andtheswingoftheunboughtbrine——
We’llmakenosportinanEnglishcourttillwecomeasashipo’theLine：
Tillwecomeasashipo’theLine，mylads，ofthirtyfootinthesheer，Liftingagainfromtheoutermainwithnewsofaprivateer;
Flyinghispluckatourmizzen—truckforweftofAdmiralty，Heavinghisheadforourdipsey—leadinsignthatwekeepthesea。
Thenfore—sheethomeassheliftstothefoam——westandontheoutwardtack，Wearepaidinthecoinofthewhiteman’strade——
thebezantishard，ay，andblack。
Thefrigate—birdshallcarrymywordtotheKlingandtheOrang—LautHowamanmaysailfromaheathencoasttoberobbedinaChristianport;
HowamanmayberobbedinChristianportwhileThreeGreatCaptainsthereShalldiptheirflagtoaslaver’srag——toshowthathistradeisfair！"
THEBALLADOFTHE"CLAMPHERDOWN"
Itwasourwar—ship~Clampherdown~
WouldsweeptheChannelclean，WhereforeshekeptherhatchescloseWhenthemerryChannelchopsarose，Tosavethebleachedmarine。
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