Departmental Ditties & Barrack Room Ballads by Rudyard Kipling
page 8 of 149 (05%)
page 8 of 149 (05%)
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What is the spell that you manage so well, Commonplace Potiphar G.? Lovely Mehitabel Lee, Let me inquire of thee, Should I have riz to what Potiphar is, Hadst thou been mated to me? A LEGEND This is the reason why Rustum Beg, Rajah of Kolazai, Drinketh the "simpkin" and brandy peg, Maketh the money to fly, Vexeth a Government, tender and kind, Also--but this is a detail--blind. RUSTUM BEG of Kolazai--slightly backward native state Lusted for a C. S. I.,--so began to sanitate. Built a Jail and Hospital--nearly built a City drain-- Till his faithful subjects all thought their Ruler was insane. Strange departures made he then--yea, Departments stranger still, Half a dozen Englishmen helped the Rajah with a will, Talked of noble aims and high, hinted of a future fine For the state of Kolazai, on a strictly Western line. Rajah Rustum held his peace; lowered octroi dues a half; |
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