Page:Songs from Vagabondia (1897).djvu/60

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Just to live like liliesIn the lake!Where no thought nor will is,To mistake!Just to lose the humanEyes that weep!Just to cease from seemingLonger man and woman!Just to reach the dreamingAnd the sleep!

THE MENDICANTS.

We are as mendicants who waitAlong the roadside in the sun.Tatters of yesterday and shredsOf morrow clothe us every one.
And some are dotards, who believeAnd glory in the days of old;While some are dreamers, harping stillUpon an unknown age of gold.
Hopeless or witless! Not one heeds,As lavish Time comes down the wayAnd tosses in the suppliant hatOne great new-minted gold To-day.
Ungrateful heart and grudging thanks,His beggar’s wisdom only seesHousing and bread and beer enough;He knows no other things than these.

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