A poor man? Yes, I must confess- No wealth of gold do I possess; No pastures fine, with grazing kine, Nor fields of waving grain are mine; No foot of fat or fallow land Where rightfully my feet may stand The while I claim it as my own- By deed and title, mine alone.
Ah, poor indeed! perhaps you say- But spare me your compassion, pray! - When I ride not-with you-I walk In Nature's company, and talk With one who will not slight or slur The child forever dear to her- And one who answers back, be sure, With smile for smile, though I am poor.
And while communing thus, I count An inner wealth of large amount,- The wealth of honest purpose blent With Penury's environment,- The wealth of owing naught to-day But debts that I would gladly pay, With wealth of thanks still unexpressed With cumulative interest. -
A wealth of patience and content- For all my ways improvident; A faith still fondly exercised- For all my plans unrealized; A wealth of promises that still, Howe'er I fail, I hope to fill; A wealth of charity for those Who pity me my ragged clothes.
A poor man? Yes, I must confess- No wealth of gold do I possess; No pastures fine, with grazing kine, Nor fields of waving grain are mine; But ah, my friend! I've wealth, no end! For millionaires might condescend To bend the knee and envy me This opulence of poverty.
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