Mr. Rudyard Kipling has given us in his own inimitable way a sample of Jungle Law, which, as he says, is of "immense complexity." Now Society is also a Jungle, the Human Jungle. In it the Bête-Humaine congregates, for a variety of purposes. Its laws also are complex, and wonderfully like those of the Wolves as Baloo gave them in sing-song. For example:—
(For "Wolf" read "Worldling," for "Jungle" the "Social World.")
Now this is the Law of the Jungle—so ancient that no one asks "Why?"
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must fly,
As the cobweb that meshes the corners, the Law nets Society's track—
For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.
i.
"Tub" daily from head-crown to toe-tip; drink freely but seldom too deep:
And remember the night is for larks, and forget not the day is for sleep.
ii.