English poem
POLITICAL ECONOMY.
by Matthew W. Alderson (1855–1924)
A youth, not handsome from an outward view, Whose features stern belied the mellowness That dwelt behind his earnest, steadfast look, Delved in his heart upon a summer day And found therein a narrow vein of love. The prospect pleased, and on development He found the mine was rich. For years he worked And piled in heaps the ore upon the dump. Deep 'neath the mountain ridges of his heart He branched out levels on the silvered streak, And found almost exhaustless hidden wealth. He sought association, and he found A friend who brought the skill to treat the ore. He wasted not the wealth by labor won, But, when refined, he stored the bricks away, Until within himself there was no space, And he was but a treasure house of love.