Explore "My Lady's Law" by Rudyard Kipling on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
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!