Γ BEGGARS. She had a tall Man's height, or more; A long drab-colour'd Cloak she wore, A Mantle reaching to her feet: What other dress she had I could not know; Only she wore a Cap that was as white as snow. In all my walks, through field or town, Her face was of Egyptian brown: Fit person was she for a Queen, To head those ancient Amazonian files: Or ruling Bandit's Wife, among the Grecian Isles. Before me begging did she stand, Pouring out sorrows like a sea; Such woes I knew could never be; And yet a boon I gave her; for the Creature Was beautiful to see; a Weed of glorious feature! I left her, and pursued my way; A pair of little Boys at play, Chasing a crimson butterfly; The Taller follow'd with his hat in hand, Wreath'd round with yellow flow'rs, the gayest of the land. The Other wore a rimless crown, Each whooping with a merry shout; Two Brothers seem'd they, eight and ten years old ; And like that Woman's face as gold is like to gold. . They bolted on me thus, and lo! Each ready with a plaintive whine; Said I, "Not half an hour ago Your Mother has had alms of mine." "That cannot be," one answer'd, "She is dead." Nay but I gave her pence, and she will buy you bread." She has been dead, Sir, many a day." "Sweet Boys, you're telling me a lie ; "It was your Mother, as I say And in the twinkling of an eye, "Come, come ! " cried one; and, without more ado, Off to some other play they both together flew. |