HomeRudyard KiplingThe Four Angels

The Four Angels. Rudyard Kipling

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree
The Angel of the Earth came down, and offered Earth in fee;
 But Adam did not need it,
 Nor the plough he would not speed it,
 Singing: "Earth and Water, Air and Fire,
 What more can mortal man desire?"
 (The Apple Tree′s in bud)

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree
The Angel of the Waters offered all the Seas in fee;
 But Adam would not take ′em,
 Nor the ships he wouldn′t make ′em,
 Singing: "Water, Earth and Air and Fire,
 What more can mortal man desire? "
 (The Apple Tree′s in leaf.)

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree
The Angel of the Air he offered all the Air in fee;
 But Adam did not crave it,
 Nor the flight he wouldn′t brave it,
 Singing: "Air and Water, Earth and Fire,
 What more can mortal man desire?"
 (The Apple Tree′s in bloom.)

As Adam lay a-dreaming beneath the Apple Tree
The Angel of the Fire rose up and not a word said he;
 But he wished a flame and made it,
 And in Adam′s heart he laid it,
 Singing: "Fire, Fire, burning Fire!
 Stand up, and reach your heart′s desire!"
 (The Apple Blossom′s set.)

As Adam was a-working outside of Eden-Wall,
He used the Earth, he used the Seas, he used the Air and all;
 Till out of black disaster
 He arose to be a master
 Of Earth and Water, Air and Fire,
 But never reached his heart′s desire!
 (The Apple Tree′s cut down!)

Next →


Thank you for reading Rudyard Kipling "The Four Angels"!
Read Rudyard Kipling
Main page


© e-libr.com
feedback