Classic Poem

I had gone a-begging from door to door in the village path,
when thy golden chariot appeared in the distance
like a gorgeous dream and I wondered who was this
King of all kings!
My hopes rose high and methought my evil days
were at an end, and I stood waiting for alms to be given
unasked and for wealth scattered on all sides in the dust.
The chariot stopped where I stood. Thy glance
fell on me and thou camest down with a smile.
I felt that the luck of my life had come at last.
Then of a sudden thou didst hold out thy right hand and say
" What hast thou to give to me? "
Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open thy palm to a beggar to beg!
I was confused and stood undecided, and then from my wallet
I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to thee.
But how great my surprise when at the day's end I emptied my
bag on the floor to find a least little grain of gold
among the poor heap. I bitterly wept and wished that I had had
the heart to give thee my all.