If down here I chance to die, <br /> Solemnly I beg you take <br />All that is left of "I" <br /> To the Hills for old sake's sake, <br />Pack me very thoroughly <br /> In the ice that used to slake <br />Pegs I drank when I was dry -- <br /> This observe for old sake's sake. <br /> <br />To the railway station hie, <br /> There a single ticket take <br />For Umballa -- goods-train -- I <br /> Shall not mind delay or shake. <br />I shall rest contentedly <br /> Spite of clamor coolies make; <br />Thus in state and dignity <br /> Send me up for old sake's sake. <br /> <br />Next the sleepy Babu wake, <br /> Book a Kalka van "for four." <br />Few, I think, will care to make <br /> Journeys with me any more <br />As they used to do of yore. <br /> I shall need a "special" break -- <br />Thing I never took before -- <br /> Get me one for old sake's sake. <br /> <br />After that -- arrangements make. <br /> No hotel will take me in, <br />And a bullock's back would break <br /> 'Neath the teak and leaden skin <br />Tonga ropes are frail and thin, <br /> Or, did I a back-seat take, <br />In a tonga I might spin, -- <br /> Do your best for old sake's sake. <br /> <br />After that -- your work is done. <br /> Recollect a Padre must <br />Mourn the dear departed one -- <br /> Throw the ashes and the dust. <br />Don't go down at once. I trust <br /> You will find excuse to "snake <br />Three days' casual on the bust." <br /> Get your fun for old sake's sake. <br /> <br />I could never stand the Plains. <br /> Think of blazing June and May <br />Think of those September rains <br /> Yearly till the Judgment Day! <br />I should never rest in peace, <br /> I should sweat and lie awake. <br />Rail me then, on my decease, <br /> To the Hills for old sake's sake.<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-ballad-of-burial/
