Explore "Study of an Elevation, in Indian Ink" by Rudyard Kipling on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
This ditty is a string of lies. / But -- how the deuce did Gubbins rise?
POTIPHAR GUBBINS, C. E., / Stands at the top of the tree; / And I muse in my bed on the reasons that led / To the hoisting of Potiphar G.
Potiphar Gubbins, C. E., / Is seven years junior to Me; / Each bridge that he makes he either buckles or breaks, / And his work is as rough as he.
Potiphar Gubbins, C. E., / Is coarse as a chimpanzee; / And I can't understand why you gave him your hand, / Lovely Mehitabel Lee.
Potiphar Gubbins, C. E., / Is dear to the Powers that Be; / For They bow and They smile in an affable style / Which is seldom accorded to Me.
Potiphar Gubbins, C. E., / Is certain as certain can be / Of a highly-paid post which is claimed by a host / Of seniors -- including Me.
Careless and lazy is he, / Greatly inferior to Me.
What is the spell that you manage so well, / Commonplace Potiphar G.?
Lovely Mehitabel Lee, / Let me inquire of thee, / Should I have riz to what Potiphar is, / Hadst thou been mated to me?