Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/317

 From the sword-belt set free and released from the steel, The Peace of the Lord is on Captain O'Neill

Up the hill to Simoorie most patient of drudges The bags on his shoulder, the mail-runner trudges.

"For Captain O'Neil Sahib. One hundred and ten "Rupees to collect on delivery." Then

(Their breakfast was stopped while the screw-jack and hammer Tore waxcloth, split teak-wood, and chipped out the dammer ;)

Open-eyed, open-mouthed, on the napery's snow, With a crash and a thud, rolled the Head of the Boh!

And gummed to the scalp was a letter which ran:

"Dear Sir,—I have honour to send, as you said, "For final approval (see under) Boh's Head;

"Was took by myself in most bloody affair. " By High Education brought pressure to bear.

"Now violate Liberty, time being bad, "To mail V. P. P. (rupees hundred) Please add

"Whatever Your Honour can pass. Price of Blood "Much cheap at one hundred, and children want food;