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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PROPERTY by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES

Poet Analysis

First Line: A DOG HAS BONES TO SPARE AND HIDE
Last Line: A WORM CAN GET ONE BITE!

A dog has bones to spare and hide,
Squirrels have nuts in plenty:
Though I own houses, Lord, and work,
Yet still my purse is empty.

A poet with five houses, Lord,
Though but a common sinner,
Should at the least expect in rent
A shilling for his dinner.

But though my houses, Lord, are hens
That lay no eggs for me,
Thou knowest well they never fail
To lay for my Trustee.

Lord, since Thy bounty is for all,
Shall my Trustee, John White,
Be eaten alive by fleas before
A worm can get one bite!



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