Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CLEON AND I, by CHARLES MACKAY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CLEON AND I, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Cleon hath a million acres, ne'er a one have I
Last Line: State for state with all attendants, who would change? Not I.
Subject(s): Contentment; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers


Cleon hath a million acres, ne'er a one have I;
Cleon dwelleth in a palace, in a cottage I;
Cleon hath a dozen fortunes, not a penny I;
Yet the poorer of the twain is Cleon, and not I.
Cleon, true, possesseth acres, but the landscape I;
Half the charms to me it yieldeth money cannot buy.
Cleon harbors sloth and dulness, freshening vigor I;
He in velvet, I in fustian, richer man am I.
Cleon is a slave to grandeur, free as thought am I;
Cleon fees a score of doctors, need of none have I;
Wealth-surrounded, care-environed, Cleon fears to die;
Death may come, he'll find me ready, -- happier man am I.
Cleon sees no charms in nature, in a daisy I;
Cleon hears no anthems ringing in the sea and sky;
Nature sings to me forever, earnest listener I;
State for state with all attendants, who would change? Not I.




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