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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"Soldiers Three"

This is a good omen. By the joy of looking upon thy
face the weariness has gone from my feet, and the sorrow of my so long
travel is forgotten. Also my heart is peaceful; for I know that the
end is near.
It may be that I shall find Daoud Shah in this city going northward,
since a Hillman will ever head back to his Hills when the spring warns.
And shall he see those hills of our country? Surely I shall overtake
him! Surely my vengeance is safe! Surely God hath him in the hollow
of His hand against my claiming. There shall no harm befall Daoud Shah
till I come; for I would fain kill him quick and whole with the life
sticking firm in his body. A pomegranate is sweetest when the cloves
break away unwilling from the rind. Let it be in the daytime, that I
may see his face, and my delight may be crowned.
And when I have accomplished the matter and my Honour is made clean,
I shall return thanks unto God, the Holder of the Scale of the Law,
and I shall sleep. From the night, through the day, and into the night
again I shall sleep; and no dream shall trouble me.
And now, O my brother, the tale is all told.


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