Classic Poem

“When Adam delved and Eve span,
Who was then the gentleman?”

Wretched is the infant's lot,
Born within the straw-roofed cot;
Be he generous, wise, or brave,
He must only be a slave.
Long, long labor, little rest,
Still to toil, to be oppressed;
Drained by taxes of his store,
Punished next for being poor:
This is the poor wretch's lot,
Born within the straw-roofed cot.

While the peasant works—to sleep,
What the peasant sows—to reap,
On the couch of ease to lie,
Rioting in revelry;
Be he villain, be he fool,
Still to hold despotic rule,
Trampling on his slaves with corn!
This is to be nobly born.

“When Adam delved and Eve span,
Who was then the gentleman?”