Poems (Kimball)/Two Men

by Harriet McEwen Kimball

TWO MEN.

I.

LOSSES on losses, fast they came;
Men said: "There's left him but his name;
But that is free from blot or blame."

Despairing, bowed with care and dread,
As if he heard, he raised his head;
"Thank God, I have my name!" he said.

II.

A palace; gilded ease and glare;
Loud jests and laughter; banquets rare;
Dark hints of foul beneath the fair.

At daybreak, on a sleepless bed,
He moaned and turned his fevered head;
"I've all things but a name!" he said.