"Just half of that, please."

[Pg 32]

[Pg 32]

THE COMMON TOUCH

I would not be too wise—so very wise

That I must sneer at simple songs and creeds,

And let the glare of wisdom blind my eyes

To humble people and their humble needs.

I would not care to climb so high that I

Could never hear the children at their play,

Could only see the people passing by,

Yet never hear the cheering words they say.

I would not know too much—too much to smile

At trivial errors of the heart and hand,

Nor be too proud to play the friend the while,

And cease to help and know and understand.

I would not care to sit upon a throne,

Or build my house upon a mountain-top.

Where I must dwell in glory all alone

And never friend come in or poor man stop.

 Prev. P 29/85 next