Upton Sinclair, ed. (1878–1968). rn The Cry for Justice: An Anthology of the Literature of Social Protest. 1915.

The Leisure Class

Anonymous

THERE was a little beggar maid

Who wed a king long, long ago;

Of course the taste that he displayed

Was criticised by folks who know

Just what formalities and things

Are due to beggar maids and kings.

But straight the monarch made reply:

“There is small difference, as I live,

Between our stations! She and I

Subsist on what the people give.

We do not toil with strength and skill,

And, pleasing Heaven, never will.”