Explore "My New-Cut Ashlar" by Rudyard Kipling on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
My new-cut ashlar takes the light / Where crimson-blank the windows flare. / By my own work before the night, / Great Overseer, I make my prayer.
If there be good in that I wrought, / Thy Hand compelled it, Master, Thine -- / Where I have failed to meet Thy Thought / I know, through Thee, the blame was mine.
One instant's toil to Thee denied / Stands all Eternity's offence. / Of that I did with Thee to guide / To Thee, through Thee, be excellence.
The depth and dream of my desire, / The bitter paths wherein I stray -- / Thou knowest Who hath made the Fire, / Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay.
Who, lest all thought of Eden fade, / Bring'st Eden to the craftsman's brain -- / Godlike to muse o'er his own Trade / And manlike stand with God again!
One stone the more swings into place / In that dread Temple of Thy worth. / It is enough that, through Thy Grace, / I saw nought common on Thy Earth.
Take not that vision from my ken -- / Oh whatsoe'er may spoil or speed. / Help me to need no aid from men / That I may help such men as need!