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1844–1912

BALLADE OF WORLDLY WEALTH.

Andrew Lang

Money taketh town and wall, Fort and ramp without a blow; Money moves the merchants all, While the tides shall ebb and flow;

Money maketh Evil show Like the Good, and Truth like lies: These alone can ne'er bestow Youth, and health, and Paradise.

Money maketh festival, Wine she buys, and beds can strow; Round the necks of captains tall, Money wins them chains to throw,

Marches soldiers to and fro, Gaineth ladies with sweet eyes: These alone can ne'er bestow Youth, and health, and Paradise.

Money wins the priest his stall; Money mitres buys, I trow, Red hats for the Cardinal, Abbeys for the novice low;

Money maketh sin as snow, Place of penitence supplies: These alone can ne'er bestow Youth, and health, and Paradise.

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BALLADE OF WORLDLY WEALTH. · Andrew Lang · Poetry Cove