Said the Mat: ‘At the big front door I’ve stood for years, And I’ve heard folks laugh, and seen folks’ tears; I have seen them gay, and seen them sad, I have known some good, and met some bad; But from each and all I learned a truth, And of this I speak in love and ruth; For the thing they taught (which all may learn), Is to purchase not before you earn; For the man who buys ere his wage be paid, Though he live in splendour will live afraid. Keep sweet! Brush your feet! And forget, if you can, the mire of the street! ‘I have seen some come with goods to sell, And I’ve known the truth they would not tell! For if lies are used when wares are bought, Then by lies be sure will sale be sought. But of all such buying, sale and gain, In the Book of Fate the sum’s writ plain; For the one who robs by word or deed, Of his soul sells out in stupid greed; And for such an one, when life is passed, There is nought but grief for wealth amassed. Keep sweet! Watch your feet! And step not into the filth of the street! ‘There were those who came with sorrow’s tale, Of a wife long sick, and children pale; Of a daughter weak or son just dead, Of a mother starved for lack of bread! But in these, I knew, Love’s fires were cold, That their aim and hope was Pity’s gold! Yet, for such the gold will turn to dross, And the profits all shall come to loss; For the Law is this while justice lives: To the man be gain who value gives! Keep sweet! Dust your feet And stand not out in the Stour of the Street! ‘But I’ve also seen throughout the years,— As the worn and weary told their fears; How the smile of hope effaces pain, And the listless stir to life again At the kind word said or good deed done As they passed along; and everyone, With a new-born joy and ardour filled, Has again felt moved, if God so willed, To withstand the Earth’s consuming fire, And the nobler realms of Love aspire! Keep sweet! Stamp your feet! And shake off the dust of the windy street! ‘And I’ve seen a child for flowers come in, With a winning smile and dimpled chin; And the gift evoked within each breast, An elation sweet, as of the blest! For that blossom bright was sure to bloom In the dullest days of doubt and gloom; While the fragrance hid within its heart; Of the child was soon to grow a part! And the same note rings o’er all earth’s cries, For a kindly action never dies! Keep sweet! Guard your feet! And you need not touch the mud of the street!’