English
He Also Said
You who judge the ways of generosity and grace,
what is your ruling in a case like this?
Concerning a man so helpless and undone
that everyone who sees him feels pity.
He lies sick in some forgotten corner,
measuring out his life in empty breaths.
The cost of his illness cannot be avoided,
and on top of that his house needs repair.
And winter's arrangements press right behind,
a season that carries the scent of disaster.
Yet he has not enough silver left
even to polish the surface of a mirror.
In such a plight, would it be right for him
to ask his wealthy patron for some gold?