Set a great and weighty problem forth, One that no scholar on this green earth
Has been able to solve since things began With Adam—a lone and lonesome man.
Yet very coolly she set it forth: "Tell me the truth, how much am I worth?"
The sunbeams kissing her golden hair, Her cheeks, her round arms dimpled and bare,
Seemed stamping value of mighty wealth On youth, and love, and the bloom of health.
John looked and looked till his eyes grew dim, Then tilted the hat with worthless brim.
To hide what he would not have her see— "You are worth the whole world, Nan," said he.
"Then you're no beggar," said sweet, bold Nan, "You're the whole world richer than any man."
A girl queen wearing a crown of gold Set a precedent, the tale is told,
But no royal prince this world has seen Ever felt so proud as John, I ween,