Poem by Rudyard Kipling

«Brazilian Verses». 1927. 7. Two Races

I SEEK not what his soul desires.
  He dreads not what my spirit fears. 
Our Heavens have shown us separate fires. 
  Our dooms have dealt us differing years. 

Our daysprings and our timeless dead 
  Ordained for us and still control
Lives sundered at the fountain-head, 
  And distant, now, as Pole from Pole. 

Yet, dwelling thus, these worlds apart, 
  When we encounter each is free 
To bare that larger, liberal heart
  Our kin and neighbours seldom see. 

(Custom and code compared in jest-
  Weakness delivered without shame-
And certain common sins confessed
  Which all men know, and none dare blame.) 

E'en so it is, and well content
  It should be so a moment's space, 
Each finds the other excellent, 
  And-runs to follow his own race!

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

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