“Go, ride him to the knacker's yard;

He'll fetch two pounds, it may be three;

Sell him, and bring the price to me.”

I saw the old groom wince away,

He looked the thoughts he dared not say;

Then from his fob he slowly drew

A leather pouch of faded hue.

“Master,” said he, “my means are small,

This purse of leather holds them all;

But I have neither kith nor kin,