In the Days When the World Was Wide, and Other Verses

<h2> A Prouder Man Than You </h2> <p>If you fancy that your people came of better stock than mine,<br/> If you hint of higher breeding by a word or by a sign,<br/> If you're proud because of fortune or the clever things you do &mdash;<br/> Then I'll play no second fiddle: I'm a prouder man than you!<br/> <br/> If you think that your profession has the more gentility,<br/> And that you are condescending to be seen along with me;<br/> If you notice that I'm shabby while your clothes are spruce and new &mdash;<br/> You have only got to hint it: I'm a prouder man than you!<br/> <br/> If you have a swell companion when you see me on the street,<br/> And you think that I'm too common for your toney friend to meet,<br/> So that I, in passing closely, fail to come within your view &mdash;<br/> Then be blind to me for ever: I'm a prouder man than you!<br/> <br/> If your character be blameless, if your outward past be clean,<br/> While 'tis known my antecedents are not what they should have been,<br/> Do not risk contamination, save your name whate'er you do &mdash;<br/> 'Birds o' feather fly together': I'm a prouder bird than you!<br/> <br/> Keep your patronage for others! Gold and station cannot hide<br/> Friendship that can laugh at fortune, friendship that can conquer pride!<br/> Offer this as to an equal &mdash; let me see that you are true,<br/> And my wall of pride is shattered: I am not so proud as you!<br/></p> <p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"></SPAN></p> <br/> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />