Xxxiii

There was one I met upon the road Who looked at me with kind eyes. He said, "Show me of your wares." And this I did, Holding forth one. He said, "It is a sin." Then held I forth another; He said, "It is a sin." Then held I forth another; He said, "It is a sin." And so to the end; Always he said, "It is a sin." And, finally, I cried out, "But I have none other." Then did he look at me With kinder eyes. "Poor soul!" he said.