There was one I met upon the road
Who looked at me with kind eyes.
He said: “Show me of your wares.”
And I did,
Holding forth one.
He said: “It is a sin.”
Then I held forth another.
He said: “It is a sin.”
Then I held forth another.
He said: “It is a sin.”
And so to the end.
Always He said: “It is a sin.”
At last, I cried out:
“But I have none other.”
He looked at me
With kinder eyes.
“Poor soul,” he said.