I am a miser, for I hoard my treasures, Selfish through loving them o'ermuch, Hearts given me for safekeeping; Fragile they are beneath an alien touch. I am a spendthrift, for I waste my substance. Love to the least of His I try to give; All the inanimate creation Takes of the strength I have to live. I am a pauper, for I go through life a-begging, Begging for virtues that I need each day -- Simeon Stylites on his pillar seeking For help to know the righteous way. I am a prince, because gifts have been given Never deserved, except that I have tried, Failed, and tried again undaunted. I am a prince without a bit of pride. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BIGLOW PAPERS. 2D SERIES. THE COURTIN' by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL BUCOLIC COMEDY: EN FAMILLE by EDITH SITWELL THE SHEPHEARDES CALENDER: FEBRUARY by EDMUND SPENSER IN BATTLE by ABUL HASAN OF BADAJOZ LOST AT SEA by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH A CLEAR NIGHT by KARLE WILSON BAKER BRIDAL SERENADE by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |