LIFE
How sweet it would have tasted,Just a drop!Was God so economical?His table’s spread too high for usUnless we dine on tip-toe.Crumbs fit such little mouths,Cherries suit robins;The eagle’s golden breakfastStrangles them.God keeps his oath to sparrows,Who of little loveKnow how to starve!
LIII
GOD gave a loaf to every bird.But just a crumb to me;I dare not eat it, though I starve,—My poignant luxuryTo own it, touch it, prove the featThat made the pellet mine,—Too happy in my sparrow chanceFor ampler coveting.
It might be famine all around,I could not miss an ear,Such plenty smiles upon my board,My garner shows so fair.I wonder how the rich may feel,—An Indiaman—an Earl?I deem that I with but a crumbAm sovereign of them all.
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