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。