Page:The writings in prose and verse of Rudyard Kipling (IA cu31924057346631).pdf/63

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Illusion, Disillusion, Allusion

i

Fairest of women is she.

In all the passion of youth,
In deed and in word and in truth;
For time and eternity
I woo her, so let it be.

ii

Rouge and wrinkles and puff,

Padding and powder enough
To win a hundred hearts!
They are welcome. From me departs
Love for this woman of arts.

iii

Old friend, why discourse of these things?

Fairest of women was she.
Somewhere in eternity
We may play out the game again;
Here, Time has ended her reign,
Making her hateful to see.

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