Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VALUATION, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER


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VALUATION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The old squire said, as he stood by his gate
Last Line: "and the thing can be easily done!"
Subject(s): Wealth; Riches; Fortunes


THE old Squire said, as he stood by his gate,
And his neighbor, the Deacon, went by,
"In spite of my bank stock and real estate,
You are better off, Deacon, than I.

"We're both growing old, and the end's drawing near,
You have less of this world to resign,
But in Heaven's appraisal your assests I fear,
Will reckon up greater than mine.

"They say I am rich, but I'm feeling so poor,
I wish I could swap with you even:
The pounds I have lived for and laid up in store
For the shillings and pence you have given."

"Well, Squire," said the Deacon, with shrewd common sense,
While his eye had a twinkle of fun,
"Let your pounds take the way of my shillings and pence,
And the thing can be easily done!"





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