And as yet I know not what it meant;

But I think that you, and you alone,

Are able to make its meaning known.

Answer me then—I have great need—

And tell me, what is the life you lead?"

"My life's a poor one, you may suppose!

I 've many troubles that no one knows;

For I have to keep a smiling face.

I wander, friendless, from place to place,

Risking my neck for a scanty gain;

But I must do it, and not complain.

I know, whatever may go amiss,

That I have deserved much worse than this."

To the hermit this a meaning bore

Of deep humility, nothing more.

So, gaining courage, "But this," he said,

"Is not the life you have always led.

So much the vision to me revealed;

I know there 's something you keep concealed."

The mountebank answered sadly: "Yes!

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