Classic Poem

When the robber his victim has noted,
When the freebooter darts on his prey,
Let humanity spare the devoted,
Let mercy forbid him to slay.

Since my hope is by penury blighted,
My sword must the traveller daunt;
I will snatch from the rich man, benighted,
The gold he denies to my want.

But the victim when once I have noted,
At my foot when I look on my prey,
Let humanity spare the devoted,
Let mercy forbid me to slay.