LIII

GOD gave a loaf to every bird,

But just a crumb to me;

I dare not eat it, though I starve,—

My poignant luxury

To own it, touch it, prove the feat

That made the pellet mine,—

Too happy in my sparrow chance

For 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 crumb

Am sovereign of them all.