Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CRUMBS AND GUINEAS by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW MANY PLATES OF CRUMBS, MY LITTLE FRIEND
Last Line: AND MAKE A SONG OF IT, TO CHARGE A GUINEA!'
Subject(s): HUNGER;
How many plates of crumbs, my little friend,
Have I now scattered twice and thrice a day?Have I not crushed a ton or more
of bread,
In payment for your pretty songs and play?

'When you have said what you have done for us,'
A saucy Sparrow answered, speaking bold –
'Then tell the World what we have done for you,
Whose well-invested bread has brought you gold:
Give us our daily bread – not worth a penny –
And make a song of it, to charge a guinea!'



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