THE JEWELLER AND THE LACE-MAKER
IN cottage neat, of lowly race.
Lived one who fabricated lace.
And near her, miserly and old,
A tradesman dwelt who worked in gold.
"Dame," quoth the jeweller one day,
"Tis strange to me that folks should pay
Such prices for thy lace per ell.
Whilst I so ill my fringes sell,
Though, by the village train, 'tis said.
Gold is more precious deemed than thread."
To whom the dame, "My friend, you'll find
To different views are men inclined;
Some in those articles delight,
Which taste and elegance unite.
While others, fond of pomp and show,
On finery their thoughts bestow;
Now if the lovely fair incline
My works to value more than thine,
Though I acknowledge it is said.
Gold is more precious deemed than thread.
From this the preference may arise.
Some neatness more than splendour prize.
And hence, my laces more admire.
Than all thy gold and silver wire."
(Iriarte, Literary Fables. Translated by John Balfour.)
