Some evenings I retire to my library to find a book of comfort. Tonight I happened to spy my volume of Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Perfect, I thought.
My first opening of the book happened upon Baloo's recitation of "The Laws of the Jungle." So simple, so clear:
"Now this is the law of the jungle -- as old and as true as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die.
Wash daily from nose-tip to tail-tip, but never too deep; and remember, the night is for hunting, and forget not the day is for sleep.
Keep peace with the Lords of the Jungle -- the Tiger, the Panther, the Bear.
When Pack meets with Pack in the Jungle, and neither will go from the trail, Lie down till the leaders have spoken -- it may be fair words shall prevail."
Fanning pages I had read so many years earlier, I stumbled upon what had once been my favorite story as a child, "Rikki-tikki-tavi," the fabled Mongoose who was loved by people and feared by snakes.
But here on the page were words I had never noticed before:
"It is the hardest thing in the world to frighten a mongoose, because he is eaten up from nose to tail with curiosity. The motto of all the mongoose family is, "Run and find out."
Oh my, I hesitated, Rikki-t-t was just like me and so many other adventurers I know. I smiled. I've never particularly likened myself to a mongoose before. But I do like the motto.
When next I depart my home on an adventure I'll remember to call out "Run and Find Out!" I'm so ready for that tonight.
My first opening of the book happened upon Baloo's recitation of "The Laws of the Jungle." So simple, so clear:
"Now this is the law of the jungle -- as old and as true as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die.
Wash daily from nose-tip to tail-tip, but never too deep; and remember, the night is for hunting, and forget not the day is for sleep.
Keep peace with the Lords of the Jungle -- the Tiger, the Panther, the Bear.
When Pack meets with Pack in the Jungle, and neither will go from the trail, Lie down till the leaders have spoken -- it may be fair words shall prevail."
Fanning pages I had read so many years earlier, I stumbled upon what had once been my favorite story as a child, "Rikki-tikki-tavi," the fabled Mongoose who was loved by people and feared by snakes.
But here on the page were words I had never noticed before:
"It is the hardest thing in the world to frighten a mongoose, because he is eaten up from nose to tail with curiosity. The motto of all the mongoose family is, "Run and find out."
Oh my, I hesitated, Rikki-t-t was just like me and so many other adventurers I know. I smiled. I've never particularly likened myself to a mongoose before. But I do like the motto.
When next I depart my home on an adventure I'll remember to call out "Run and Find Out!" I'm so ready for that tonight.
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