Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.

The Two-sided Man

MUCH I owe to the Lands that grew—

More to the Lives that fed—

But most to Allah Who gave me two

Separate sides to my head.

Much I reflect on the Good and the True

In the Faiths beneath the sun,

But most upon Allah Who gave me two

Sides to my head, not one.

Wesley’s following, Calvin’s flock,

White or yellow or bronze,

Shaman, Ju-ju or Angekok,

Minister, Mukamuk, Bonze—

Here is a health, my brothers, to you,

However your prayers are said,

And praised be Allah Who gave me two

Separate sides to my head!

I would go without shirt or shoe,

Friend, tobacco or bread,

Sooner than lose for a minute the two

Separate sides of my head!