THE RICH AND POOR.

The poorest of the poor is he
Whose crimson robes and lordly pride
Shuts out the woes of you, or me,
And all our craving wants doth hide!

The richest of the rich is he
Whose tattered garbs and scanty clothes
Inwraps a heart from meanness free,
And out of which all kindness flows!

The poorest of the poor is he
Who to himself would all things take;
Who’ll not beyond his circle see,
And money lives for money’s sake!

The richest of the rich is he
Whose boundless heart and noble mind
Flow like a river to the sea,
And loves not self, but all mankind!

The poorest of the poor is he
Who never smiles when hearts are sad;
Whose tearless eyes can never see –
Whose selfish soul was never glad?

The richest of the rich is he
Who rightly to the worthy gives,
Whose heart can lead with mirthful glee,
And weep for others while he lives!

The poorest of the poor is he
Whose waning soul is inward turned,
And, like a spark dropt in the sea,
For ever quench’d and never mourn’d!

The richest of the rich is he
On whom affection shows her tears;
Whose band hath sheltered you and me,
And in our memories lives for years!