I am the tiniest child of earth,
But still, I would like to be known to fame,
Though next to nothing I had my birth,
And lowest of all is my lowly name.
Yet, if so humble my native place,
I this can say, in family pride,
That I ’m of the world’s most numerous race,
And made by the Maker of all beside.
Although I ’m so poor, I have nought to lose;
Still I ’m so little I can’t be lost:
I journey about wherever I choose,
And those, who carry me, bear the cost.
The most forgiving of earthly things,
I often cling to my deadly foe;
And, spite of the cruelest flirts and flings,
Arise by the force that has cast me low.
When beauty has trodden me under foot,
I ’ve quietly risen her face to seek,
Embraced her forehead, or calmly put
Myself to rest in her dimpled cheek.
I ’ve ridden to war on the soldier’s plume;
But startled, and sprung at the wild affray,
The sights of horror, of fire and fume,
And fled on the wing of the winds away.
I ’ve visited courts, and been ushered in
By the proudest guest of the stately scene;
I ’ve touched his majesty’s bosom-pin,
And the nuptial ring of his lofty queen.
At the royal board, in the grand parade,
I ’ve oft been one familiar and free:
The fairest lady has smiled, and laid
Her delicate, gloveless hand on me.
Philosopher, poet, the learned, the sage,
Never declines a call from me;
And all, of every rank and age,
Admit me into their coterie.
I visit the lions of every where,
If human, or brute, and can testify
To what they do, to what they wear,
To wonders none ever beheld but I!