Classic Poem

The other night from Court returning late,
Tir'd with attendance, out of love with state,
I met a boy who ask'd if he should go
Along to light me home? I answered, No!
Yet he did urge the darkness of the night,
The foulness of the way requir'd a light.
“'Tis true, good boy,” quoth I; “yet thou may'st be
More useful to some other than to me;
I cannot miss my way; but they that take
The way from whence I came, have need to make
A light their guide; for I dare boldly say,
'Tis ten to one but they shall lose their way.”