Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/708

 690 RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE

Bad Luck, she is never a lady

But the commonest wench on the street.

Shuffling, shabby and shady,

Shameless to pass or meet.

Walk with her once it's a weakness!

Talk to her twice it's a crime !

Thrust her away when she gives you "good day

And the besom won't board you next time.

Largesse! Largesse, Fortune!

What is Your Ladyship's mood ?

If I've no care for Fortune,

My Fortune is bound to be good!

Good Luck she is never a lady

But the cursedest quean alive!

Tricksey, wincing and jady,

Kittle to lead or drive.

Greet her she's hailing a stranger!

Meet her she's busking to leave.

Let her alone for a shrew to the bone,

And the hussy comes plucking your sleeve !

Largesse! Largesse, Fortune!

I'll neither follow nor flee.

If I don't run after Fortune

Fortune must run after me!

BY THE HOOF OF THE WILD GOAT"

gY THE Hoof of the Wild Goat uptossed From the cliff where she lay in the Sun Fell the Stone

To the Tarn where the daylight is lost, So she fell from the light of the Sun And alone!