Kane and Muirgen

[Robert J Welenc <rjwelenc@erols.com>]

Poster: Robert J Welenc <rjwelenc@erols.com>

I did not have the privilege of knowing Kane and Muirgen, for I met the
gentle lord but twice and his lady not at all.  I have heard others on this
list speak of Kane's courage and humor and kindness, the attributes of one
of Atlantia's finest.  And  I grieve for Atlantia's loss and the crushing
blow this has been to those who did know and love them.

To those who grieve, especially those of  Clan O'Shannon, I would offer this
poem.  This is Kipling's dedication to his brother, from  _Barrack Room
Ballads_.   I offer it in  tribute to our own fallen warrior.

Alanna Volchevo Lesa

                      DEDICATION FROM "BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS"

Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled --
Farther than ever comet flared or vagrant star-dust swirled --
Live such as fought and sailed and ruled and loved and made our world.

They are  purged of pride because they died; they know the worth  of  their
     bays;
They sit at wine with the Maidens Nine and the Gods of the Elder Days-
It is their will to serve or be still as fitteth Our Father's praise.

'Tis theirs to sweep through the ringing deep where Azrael's outposts are,
Or buffet a path through the Pit's red wrath when God goes out to war,
Or hang with the reckless Seraphim on the rein of a red-maned star.

They take  their mirth in the joy of the Earth - they dare not  grieve  for
     her pain.
They know of toil, and the end of toil; they know God's Law is plain;
So they whistle the Devil to make them sport who know that sin is vain.

To these who are cleansed of base Desire, Sorrow and Lust and Shame --
Gods for they knew the hearts of men, men for they stooped to Fame --
Borne on the breath that men call Death, our brother's spirit came.

He scarce had need to doff his pride or slough the dross of Earth-
E'en as he trod that day to God so walked he from his birth,
In simpleness and gentleness and honor and clean mirth.

So cup to lip in fellowship they gave him welcome high
And made him place at the banquet board -- the Strong Men ranged thereby,
Who had done his work and held his peace and had no fear to die.

Beyond the loom of the last lone star, through open darkness hurled,
Further than rebel comet dared of hiving star-swarm swirled,
Sits he with those that praise our God for that they served his world.


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