Watching the festive sight:

And a beggar in rags and tatters,

Listening, shook his fist;

“What right have they to be merry

When my little ones starve?” he hissed.

And the people his words repeated:

“What right, to be sure?” they said,

“Flaunting in silks and diamonds

While our little ones cry for bread.”

And ever, as thus they murmured,