So that for constancy ’twas loved the most

Because for lack of it no way was lost.

A little coin was passed from hand to hand,

And humbly served its mission day by day

In the life-needs its value could command;

Pure gold it was though small in currency,

And many a debt of want sufficed to pay.

A humble life was lived where others felt

Its truth and worth to hand and lip and eye;

And when ’twas spent its debtors mutely knelt