Two Races (Brazilian Verses)

by Rudyard Kipling

　　

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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!

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