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Carmen Circulare

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Carmen Circulare
written by Rudyard Kipling
First published in the "Bombay" edition of the Collected Works (1919) as part of "The Muse Among the Motors".




Q. H. Flaccus

    Dellius, that car which, night and day,
      Lightnings and thunders arm and scourge--
    Tumultuous down the Appian Way--
      Be slow to urge.

    Though reckless Lydia bid thee fly,
      And Telephus o'ertaking jeer,
    Nay, sit and strongly occupy
      The lower gear.

    They call, the road consenting, "Haste!"--
      Such as delight in dust collected--
    Until arrives (I too have raced!)
      The unexpected.

    What ox not doomed to die alone,
      Or inauspicious hound, may bring
    Thee 'twixt two kisses to the throne
      Of Hades' King,

    I cannot tell; the Furies send
      No warning ere their bolts arrive.
    'Tis best to reach our chosen end
      Late but alive.

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