Explore "A Departure" by Rudyard Kipling on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Since first the White Horse Banner blew free, / By Hengist's horde unfurled, / Nothing has changed on land or sea / Of the things that steer the world. / (As it was when the long-ships scudded through the gale / So it is where the Liners go.) / Time and Tide, they are both in a tale / "Woe to the weaker-woe!"
No charm can bridle the hard-mouthed wind / Or smooth the fretting swell. / No gift can alter the grey Sea's mind, / But she serves the strong man well. / (As it is when her uttermost deeps are stirred / So it is where the quicksands show,) / All the waters have but one word- / "Woe to the weaker-woe!"