How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools; (15-16)
If we were going to paraphrase these lines, we could say they say "take it like a man." In other words, "watch" the things you've devoted yourself to get destroyed, but then be strong, act like a man, and fix them. Kipling loved this idea, as you can see in our "Calling Card" section.
Quote #2
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!" (21-24)
All this business about the "Will" makes us think of some champion fighter or soldier, forging ahead. It makes us think, in short, of typically masculine virtues (strength, power, and those kinds of things).