Page:Two Poems - Browning and Browning (1854).djvu/9



In the alleys, in the squares, Begging, lying little rebels; In the noisy thoroughfares, Struggling on with piteous trebles.

Patient children—think what pain Makes a young child patient—ponder! Wronged too commonly to strain After right, or wish, or wonder.

Wicked children, with peaked chins, And old foreheads! there are many With no pleasures except sins, Gambling with a stolen penny.

Sickly children, that whine low To themselves and not their mothers, From mere habit,—never so Hoping help or care from others.