Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE LEISURE CLASSES by ANONYMOUS

First Line: THERE WAS A LITTLE BEGGAR MAID
Last Line: "AND, PLEASING HEAVEN, NEVER WILL"
Subject(s): COURTS & COURTIERS;HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYEES;MARRIAGE;SOCIAL CLASSES; SERVANTS;DOMESTICS;MAIDS;WEDDINGS;HUSBANDS;WIVES;CASTE;

THERE was a little beggar maid
Who wed a king long, long ago;
Of course the taste that he displayed
Was criticised by folk who know
Just what formalities and things
Are due to beggar maids and kings.

But straight the monarch made reply:
"There is small difference, as I live,
Between our stations! She and I
Subsist on what the people give.
We do not toil with strength or skill,
And, pleasing Heaven, never will."



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