‘At the big front door I’ve stood for years,
And I’ve heard folks laugh, and seen folks’ tears;
I have seen them gay, and seen them sad,
I have known some good, and met some bad;
But from each and all I learned a truth,
And of this I speak in love and ruth;
For the thing they taught (which all may learn),
Is to purchase not before you earn;
For the man who buys ere his wage be paid,
Though he live in splendour will live afraid.