The Black Riders & Other Lines/There was one I met upon the road

There was one I met upon the road

Who looked at me with kind eyes.

Her said, "Show me of your wares."

And this I did,

Holding forth one.

He said, "It is a sin."

Then held I forth another;

He said, "It is a sin."

Then held I forth another;

He said, "It is a sin."

And so to the end;

Always he said, "It is a sin."

And, finally, I cried out,

"But I have none other."

Then did he look at me

With kinder eyes.

"Poor soul!" he said.