“BEGGAR-MAN, THIEF”
Reading edition
A beggar on the edge of town Looked up and smiled at me, And offered for the coin I held, A seedling laurel tree. A merchant in the market-place, A laughing, lordly knave, Filled my hands with tarnished gems, And took the coin I gave. If I could find that beggar-man, I’d give to him my soul, If he would share his bread with me, And coppers from his bowl.