Thou mightst have earned thy bread, as thousands earn it;
Or, if that seem too humble, tried by commerce,140
Or other civic means, to amend thy fortunes.
Wer. (ironically). And been an Hanseatic burgher? Excellent!
Jos. Whate'er thou mightest have been, to me thou art
What no state high or low can ever change,
My heart's first choice;—which chose thee, knowing neither
Thy birth, thy hopes, thy pride; nought, save thy sorrows:
While they last, let me comfort or divide them:
When they end—let mine end with them, or thee!