James Thomson ( B. V. )
¶[1834-1882]
Gifts
¶GIVE a man a horse he can ride,Give a man a boat he can sail;And his rank and wealth, his strength and health,On sea nor shore shall fail.
¶Give a man a pipe he can smoke,Give a man a book he can read:And his home is bright with a calm delight,Though the room be poor indeed.
¶Give a man a girl he can love,As I, O my love, love thee;And his heart is great with the pulse of Fate,At home, on land, on sea.