Couplets about their Subjects, #2 (Alms).

Mercy! Good folk, hear me beg of your alms,
Charity asketh my outstretched palm.

Covetous, starved, dry of lips, devoid of bread,
Pay your tributes my way, lest you be in my stead.

Consider'st thou my condition and be judges clement,
Look! I've wounds weeping, I've clothes all a-rent!

Yesternight had I not satisfact'ry repast,
Nor have I this morn' yet broken my fast.

Bethinks you me not of anti-assiduous nature,
Nor one who sleepeth 'way days, nor sharker of labour,

'Tis god's own ordainage, this way thus I be,
And you-wise, your way, those lives you lead.

Wherefore, and therefore, you are behooved,
Cast down my portion; 'tis but a pittance to you.