The Penalty

by Rudyard Kipling

　　

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Once in life I watched a Star; But I whistled, "Let her go! There are others, fairer far, Which my favouring skies shall show Here I lied, and herein I Stood to pay the penalty. Marvellous the Planets shone As I ranged from coast to coast, But beyond comparison Rode the Star that I had lost. I had lied, and only I Did not guess the penalty!... When my Heavens were turned to blood, When the dark had filled my day, Furthest, but most faithful, stood That lone Star I cast away. I had loved myself, and I Have not lived and dare not die!

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