Page:Conversion of St Vladimir.pdf/51

 Who paid his obligations

Was ever favored first;

Folks ate when they were hungry,

And drank whene’er athirst.

The gentry scorned the townsmen

As of a lower sphere.

The innkeepers, as ever,

Poured water in their beer.

Whoever owned some chattels

Served avarice as prize;

People were mostly stupid,

Only a few were wise.

For this world is unchanging,

Wherever people roam

And spitting in the ocean

Will never make it foam.