Explore "L'Envoi to "Life's Handicap"" 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 is 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.
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.
The depth and dream of my desire, / The bitter paths wherein I stray, / Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire, / Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay!
One stone the more swings to her place / In that dread Temple of Thy Worth -- / It is enough that through Thy grace / I saw naught 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!