Poem by Rudyard Kipling

Carmen Circulare

                 Q. H. Flaccus
       --The Muse Among the Motors (1900-1930)

    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.

1. The First Chantey
2. The Cursing of Stephen
3. Anchor Song
4. The Covenant
5. «Limits and Renewals». 1932. 19. Azrael's Count

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