Classic Poem

Les Gueux

The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!

Let's sing the beggars' praise;
What worth have beggars shown!
'Tis time that wit avenged good folk
Who not a stiver own
The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!

Yes, in the lap of Want
'Tis easy to be blest;
The Gospel and my joyous air
The truth of this attest.
The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!

Parnassus' sons, 'tis said,
The cup of want must quaff;
What worldly goods could Homer boast?
A wallet and a staff
The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!

Ye sons of woe, believe
In this, for oft 'tis true:
The hero, pinched in dandy boot,
May miss his wooden shoe
The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!

Pomp, dazzling pomp, cannot
The great from exile save:
Safe in his tub, Diogenes
A conquering king could brave
The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!

A palace looks superb;
Therein Ennui will groan:
One may dine well without a cloth;
Sleep well on straw alone!
The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!

What god in play bedecks
With flowers this truckle bed?
'Tis Love — if Poverty will laugh,
He'll visit at her shed
The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!

Friendship from this our sphere,
Though mourned, hath not retreated;
She's at the fair, hobnobbing there,
Between two soldiers seated
The beggars, oh, the beggars, oh!
They're the happiest mortals here below:
They stick to each other where'er they go;
Long live the beggars, oh!