The Poetry Corner

Riches

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have ye seen the caterpillar Foully warking in his nest? 'T is the poor man getting siller, Without cleanness, without rest. Have ye seen the butterfly In braw claithing drest? 'T is the poor man gotten rich, In rings and painted vest. The poor man crawls in web of rags And sore bested with woes. But when he flees on riches' wings, He laugheth at his foes.