Page:Departmental Ditties and Ballads and Barrack-Room Ballads, Kipling, 1899.djvu/137

Rh 13

The ways of man with a maid be strange, yet simple and tame

To the ways of a man with a horse, when selling or racing that same.

14

In public Her face turneth to thee, and pleasant Her smile when ye meet.

It is ill. The cold rocks of El-Gidar smile thus on the waves at their feet.

In public Her face is averted, with anger She nameth thy name.

It is well. Was there ever a loser content with the loss of the game?

15

If She have spoken a word, remember thy lips are sealed,

And the Brand of the Dog is upon him by whom is the secret revealed.

If She have written a letter, delay not an instant but burn it.

Tear it in pieces, O Fool, and the wind to her mate shall return it!