Poem by Rudyard Kipling

«Limits and Renewals». 1932. 18. The Penalty

  "The Tender Achilles"

Once in life I watched a Star;
  But I whistled, "Let her go!
There are others, fairer far,
  Which my favouring skies shall show
Here I lied, and herein I
Stood to pay the penalty.

Marvellous the Planets shone   
  As I ranged from coast to coast--
But beyond comparison
  Rode the Star that I had lost.
I had lied, and only I
Did not guess the penalty!...

When  my  Heavens  were  turned  to  blood,
  When the dark had filled my day,
Furthest, but most faithful, stood
  That lone Star I cast away.
I had loved myself, and I
Have not lived and dare not die!

1. The First Chantey
2. The Last of the Light Brigade
3. «Limits and Renewals». 1932. 19. Azrael's Count
4. Chartres Windows
5. «Limits and Renewals». 1932. 12. The Threshold

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