'Tis truth (though some 'twill little please) To hear the trader knows no ease; For ever in his soul a prey To anxious care of how he may Amass more wealth: this mad desire Doth all his thought and actions fire. Devising means whereby to stuff His barns and coffers, for 'enough' He ne'er can have, but hungreth yet His neighbors' goods and gold to get. It is as though for thirst he fain Would quaff the volume of the Seine At one full draught, and yet should fail To find its waters of avail To quench his longing. What distress, What anguish, wrath, and bitterness Devour the wretch! fell rage and spite Possess his spirit day and night. And tear his heart; the fear of want Pursues him like a spectre gaunt. The more he hath, a wider mouth He opes, no draught can quench his drouth. {219} The old poet pictures the happiness of the poor man by contrast, and can in conclusion depict even more pitilessly the real poverty of spirit of the man who "having, struggleth still to get" and never stops to enjoy life itself by helping his fellows: Light-heart and gay Goes many a beggar by the way, But little heeding though his back Be bent beneath a charcoal sack. They labor patiently and sing. And dance, and laugh at whatso thing Befalls, for havings care they nought. But feed on scraps and chitlings bought Beside St. Marcel's, and dispend Their gains for wassail, then, straight wend Once more to work, not grumblingly. But light of heart as bird on tree Winning their bread without desire To fleece their neighbors. Nought they tire Of this their round, but week by week In mirth and work contentment seek; Returning when their work is done Once more to swill the jovial tun. And he who what he holds esteems Enough, is rich beyond the dreams Of many a dreary usurer, And lives his life-days happier far; For nought it signifies what gains The wretched usurer makes, the pains Of poverty afflict him yet Who having, struggleth still to get.