University of Virginia Library

XVII.

[OMITTED]
Sharp now keeps a coach—owns a fine country-seat;
A pew in Grace Church—he is famed for his piety—
Dresses in manner distingué and neat,
And is courted a deal in our better society.
[OMITTED]
Recently passing, one fair summer's day,
From his house in Fifth Avenue, into Broadway,
Sharp met an old beggar, who charity prayed—
Said he'd seen better days, when he'd plenty of cash,
Which was made by his ship, in the Rotterdam trade;
But he broke when the “Rhode Island Seam” went to smash.
Sharp, who has a heart that is well known to feel
For the woes of humanity, evermore willing
His mite to the wretched at all times to deal,
Like a nobleman, gave the old beggar a shilling.