The Poetry Corner

Fortune And Wisdom.

By Friedrich Schiller

Enraged against a quondam friend, To Wisdom once proud Fortune said "I'll give thee treasures without end, If thou wilt be my friend instead." "My choicest gifts to him I gave, And ever blest him with my smile; And yet he ceases not to crave, And calls me niggard all the while." "Come, sister, let us friendship vow! So take the money, nothing loth; Why always labor at the plough? Here is enough I'm sure for both!" Sage wisdom laughed, the prudent elf! And wiped her brow, with moisture hot: "There runs thy friend to hang himself, Be reconciled I need thee not!"