My New-cut Ashler
My New-cut Ashler - fact Summary
Craftsmanship as Divine Duty
Kipling frames the craftsman’s work as a religious act, addressing God as Overseer and Master while using masonry imagery (ashlar, stone, Temple) to measure moral worth. The speaker claims both divine guidance and personal responsibility: successes are from God, failures are his own. The poem links aesthetic vision with ethical obligation and ends with a plea to retain that vision and to be able to help others without reliance on human aid.
Read Complete AnalysesMy New-Cut ashlar takes the light Where crimson-blank the windows flare. By my own work before the night, Great Overseer, I make my prayer. If there be good in that I wrought Thy Hand compelled it, Master, Thine-- Where I have failed to meet Thy Thought I know, through Thee, the blame was mine. The depth and dream of my desire, The bitter paths wherein I stray-- Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire, Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay. Who, lest all thought of Eden fade, Bring'st Eden to the craftsman's brain-- Godlike to muse o'er his own Trade And manlike stand with God again! One stone the more swings into place In that dread Temple of Thy worth. It is enough that, through Thy Grace, I saw nought common on Thy Earth. Take not that vision from my ken-- Oh whatsoe'er may spoil or speed. Help me to need no aid from men That I may help such men as need!
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