Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 107, September 8, 1894Various
General
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 107, September 8, 1894
Various
English wit and humor -- Periodicals
MR. RUDYARD KIPLING has given us in his own inimitable way a sample of
Jungle Law, which, as he says, is of "immense complexity." Now Society
is also a Jungle, the Human Jungle. In it the _Bête-Humaine_
congregates, for a variety of purposes. Its laws also are complex, and
_wonderfully like those of the Wolves_ as _Baloo_ gave them in
sing-song. For example:--
(_For "Wolf" read "Worldling," for "Jungle" the "Social World."_)
Now this is the Law of the Jungle--so ancient that no one asks "Why?"
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall
break it must fly,
As the cobweb that meshes the corners, the Law nets Society's track--
For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf
is the Pack.
I.
"Tub" daily from head-crown to toe-tip; drink freely but seldom _too_
deep:
And remember the night is for larks, and forget not the day is for
sleep.
II.
The Jackal may sponge on the Lion; but, Cub, when thy whiskers are
grown,
Remember the Wolf is a hunter--go forth and track prey of thine own.
III.
Keep peace with the Lords of the Jungle, the Hebrew, the Bobby, the
Beak;
And fool not with Elephant Law, which is given to squelching the weak.
IV.
When Pack crosses Pack in the jungle, and neither will budge from the
trail,
Lie down till the Lawyers have spoken, for tongue against tooth _may_
prevail!
V.
When ye fight with a Wolf of the Pack, do not fight him alone or afar,
Let others look on at the scrimmage, the Pack is amused by such war.
VI.
The House of the Wolf is his refuge, and where he has made him his
home,
If he is a Wolf of fair cunning, not e'en County Councils may come.
VII.
The House of the Wolf is his refuge, but let him shun odorous drain,
Or the Council will send him a "Notice," and he'll have to "repair"
it again.
VIII.
If ye hunt after midnight be careful, and block not the public
highway.
Lest ye draw the police from their gossips, and have Forty Shillings
to pay.
IX.
Ye may kill female souls for your pleasure, may snare them the best
way ye can,
But mind you don't poach on preserves that belong to a wealthier man!
X.
If ye plunder his Kill from a weaker, don't put on _too_ much
"blooming side."
Some deeds it is lawful to do, which, as being "bad form," you should
hide.
XI.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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