Pilferers

One thought upon those fair born ones

who asked not to be here

Twas not their will nor dare their fate

that birthed them till the bier

Tis not thus I to gain myself

a ranking or a feat

it tis but thee who must respond

my care thou must complete

Ask not of me one stitch of time

or effort that my own

for thou must serve and work for me

tis me and me alone

Complain thou not that thou be taxed

tis for my feed thou need

for pilfering it be my cause

by lazy fast decree

And lest I be the more remiss

allow me to be free

to do as any that I wish

because thou owest me

And honor me as though I work

and earn as near dost thou

and yet without one hour employ

nor hand against the plough

And sure be thou about my fate

thou must not dare to charge

for you owe me my way of life

my vantage to enlarge