Two Men

As I walked down a country road
I passed two men upon the way.
High o’er the western skyline glowed
The last gold coin of spendthrift day;
All things about me tribute paid
To Autumn’s bland munificence;
On fruits and corn the soft lights played,
And flowers nodding by the fence.

As I walked down a country road
I passed two men upon the track;
And one was bent beneath a load —
His all, borne on an illclad back.
And one rode by in luxury
Of cushioned ease and callous pride.
Yet I, who marked him well, could see
That one unseen sat close beside.

As I walked down a country road
I passed two men, and spoke them fair.
(O’er all things rich contentment flowed;
For peace, and all God’s gifts were there.)
One passed as if he had not heard;
His eye held fear, his look was wild.
But, as I called a cheery word,
The tattered man looked up, and smiled.