My Lady's Law by Rudyard Kipling — Read

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The Law whereby my lady moves / Was never Law to me, / But 'tis enough that she approves / Whatever Law it be.

For in that Law, and by that Law, / My constant course I'll steer; / Not that I heed or deem it dread, / But that she holds it dear.

Tho' Asia sent for my content / Her richest argosies, / Those would I spurn, and bid return, / If that should give her ease.

With equal heart I'd watch depart / Each spiced sail from sight, / Sans bitterness, desiring less / Great gear than her delight.

Though Kings made swift with many a gift / My proven sword to hire, / I would not go nor serve 'em so, / Except at her desire.

With even mind, I'd put behind / Adventure and acclaim, / And clean give o'er, esteeming more / Her favour than my fame.

Yet such am I, yea such am I -- / Sore bond and freest free, / The Law that sways my lady's ways / Is mystery to me!

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