Since first the White Horse Banner blew free, <br />By Hengist's horde unfurled, <br />Nothing has changed on land or sea <br />Of the things that steer the world. <br />(As it was when the long-ships scudded through the gale <br />So it is where the Liners go.) <br />Time and Tide, they are both in a tale-- <br />"Woe to the weaker -- woe! " <br /> <br />No charm can bridle the hard-mouthed wind <br />Or smooth the fretting swell. <br />No gift can alter the grey Sea's mind, <br />But she serves the strong man well. <br />(As it is when her uttermost deeps are stirred <br />So it is where the quicksands show,) <br />All the waters have but one word-- <br />"Woe to the weaker -- woe! " <br /> <br />The feast is ended, the tales are told, <br />The dawn is overdue, <br />And we meet on the quay in the whistling cold <br />Where the galley waits her crew. <br />Out with the torches, they have flared too long, <br />And bid the harpers go. <br />Wind and warfare have but one song-- <br />"Woe to the weaker -- woe!" <br /> <br />Hail to the great oars gathering way, <br />As the beach begins to slide! <br />Hail to the war-shields' click and play <br />As they lift along our side! <br />Hail to the first wave over the bow-- <br />Slow for the sea-stroke! Slow!-- <br />All the benches are grunting now:-- <br />"Woe to the weaker -- woe!"<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-departure/
