Versos English Alexander Pope GRIPE and SHIFTER

English poem

GRIPE and SHIFTER

by (1688–1744)

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Rich Gripe does all his Thoughts and Cunning bend, T'increase that Wealth he wants the Soul to spend. Poor Shifter does his whole Contrivance set To spend that Wealth, he wants the Sense to get. How happy would appear to each his Fate, Had Gripe his Humour, or he Gripe's Estate. Kind Fate and Fortune, blend 'em if you can, And of Two Wretches, make One happy Man.