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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A ST. HELENA LULLABY by RUDYARD KIPLING

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW FAR IS ST. HELENA FROM A LITTLE CHILD AT PLAY?
Last Line: AND AFTER ALL YOUR TRAPESINGS, CHILD, LIE STILL!
Subject(s): NAPOLEON I (1769-1821);
How far is St Helena from a little child at play?
What makes you want to wander there with all the world between?
Oh, Mother, call your son again or else he'll run away.
@3(No one thinks of winter when the grass is green!)@1

How far is St Helena from a fight in Paris street?
I haven't time to answer now - the men are falling fast.
The guns begin to thunder, and the drums begin to beat
@3(If you take the first step you will take the last!)@1

How far is St Helena from the field at Austerlitz?
You couldn't hear me if I told - so loud the cannons roar.
But not so far for people who are living by their wits.
@3('Gay go up' means 'gay go down' the wide world o'er!)@1

How far is St Helena from an Emperor of France?
I cannot see - I cannot tell - the crowns they dazzle so.
The Kings sit down to dinner, and the Queens stand up to dance.
@3(After open weather you may look for snow!)@1

How far is St Helena from the Capes of Trafalgar?
A longish way - a longish way - with ten year more to run.
It's South across the water underneath a setting star.
@3(What you cannot finish you must leave undone!)@1

How far is St Helena from the Beresina ice?
An ill way - a chill way - the ice begins to crack.
But not so far for gentlemen who never took advice.
@3(When you can't go forward you must e'en come back!)@1

How far is St Helena from the field of Waterloo?
A near way - a clear way - the ship will take you soon.
A pleasant place for gentlemen with little left to do.
@3(Morning never tries you till the afternoon!)@1

How far from St Helena to the Gate of Heaven's Grace?
That no one knows - that no one knows - and no one ever will.
But fold your hands across your heart and cover up your face,
And after all your trapesings, child, lie still!


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