"Serve your Turn"

Question

What does "serve your turn" means here?

I do understand the general meaning, but I'm looking for a proper translation.

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
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"!

Avangi · Accepted Answer

IF

To do your job long after you're exhausted, (your heart and nerve and sinew are gone)

(when it's your turn to carry the load)

Anonymous · Answer

are you sure about that?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Yes, that is correct.

Anonymous · Answer

Any writings should be cystal clear even to a layman. But Rudyard Kipling's lyric is not like that. His words are confusing. One's feelings may be great, but it should be expressed in a simple way.

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousAny writings should be cystal clear even to a layman. But Rudyard Kipling's lyric is not like that. His words are confusing.

Oh dear! If you think Kipling is difficult, wait until you get to Eliot, Pound, cummings, and Stein.

CalifJim · Answer

Mister MicawberEliot, Pound, cummings, and Stein

And don't forget Faulkner in the prose department.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

I would think it means "to do what you want them to do"...in other words, to accomplish your already-planned objectives.

Clive · Answer

I'd consider
To do your duty

CalifJim · Answer

do what must be done is a possible substitute there for serve your turn.

CJ

ShaNap · Answer

What does "serve your turn" mean ... of course ...

"Serve your Turn"

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