Legends of Florence

"'Oh bello gentile mio Signor', Your praise of poverty 'd soon be o'er If you yourself for a time were poor; For nothing to eat, and water to drink, Isn't so nice as you seem to think, And a lord who lives in luxury Don't know the pressure of poverty.'

"Then all would laugh, and the jolly old lord would sing in his turn:

"'O charo servitor', Tu parli tanto bene, Ma il tuo parlar A me non mi conviene.' . . .

"'My boy, you answer well, But with false implication; For what to me you tell Has no true application; How oft I heard you say (You know 'tis true, you sinner!) "I am half-starved to-day, How I'll enjoy my dinner!" Your hunger gives you health And causes great delight, While I with all my wealth Have not an appetite.'

"Then another servant sang, laughing:

"'Dear master, proverbs say, I have heard them from my birth, That of all frightful beasts Which walk upon the earth, Until we reach the bier, Wherever man may be, There's nothing