This is the poor wretch’s lot,

Born within the straw-roof’d cot.

While the peasant works,—to sleep,

What the peasant sows,—to reap,

On the couch of ease to lie,

Rioting in revelry;

Be he villain, be he fool,

Still to hold despotic rule,

Trampling on his slaves with scorn!

This is to be nobly born.