Rich & Poor; or Saint & Sinner

written by


« Reload image

The poor man's sins are glaring;
In the face of ghostly warning
 He is caught in the fact
 Of an overt act--
Buying greens on a Sunday morning.

The rich man's sins are hidden
In the pomp of wealth and station;
 And escape the sight
 Of the children of light,
Who are wise in their generation.

The rich man has a kitchen,
And cooks to dress his dinner;
 The poor who would roast
 To the baker's must post,
And thus becomes a sinner.

The rich man has a cellar,
And a ready butler by him;
 The poor man must steer
 For his pint of beer
Where the saint can't choose but to spy him.

The rich man's painted windows
Hide the concerts of the quality;
 The poor can but share
 A crack'd fiddle in the air,
Which offends all sound morality.

The rich man is invisible
In the crowd of his gay society;
 But the poor man's delight
 Is a sore in the sight,
And a stench in the nose of piety.

© Thomas Love Peacock