The World’s Wit and Humor: An Encyclopedia in 15 Volumes. 1906.
Unknown Author (15th Century)Beggars Song
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Our garments are tattered, and bald is our crown.
Beloved, want presses us; what shall we do?
Why, want is one wo, discontent would make two!
For the bottle looks mournful when nothing is in it;
Legs weary, bags empty, and what shall we do?
Why, bearing one burden, we need not make two!
Sour broth, ragged bones, bread and water we’ve got.
And fish? To be sure—in the Danube, the sea,
Which are fresher and sweeter than caught fish can be.
And Sunday, with hunger; but where is the food?
We sit at the table—poor devils!—to eat;
Were the table but covered our task would be sweet!
They needs must look small when they’ve nothing to dress.
Can they carve from a fog, make of darkness a stew,
Or turn a stag’s ghost to a venison ragoût?