The Engineer's Lament

The bridge is mine; I cannot leave it.
Wilt thou hold it up with thy hands, then?
I was troubled for my boats and sheers before the flood came. Now we
are in the hands of the Gods. The Sahib will not eat and lie down? Take
these, then. They are meat and good toddy together, and they kill all
weariness, besides the fever that follows the rain. I have eaten nothing
else to-day at all.
Nay, do not be afraid. It is no more than opium--clean Malwa opium.

About Rudyard Kipling

British poet and novelist, known for his strong narrative style and influential works.

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