Up in the world and down,
Gentleman and clown,
I have walked in the cloistered ways,
I've been man to the maid in stays,
Student, roustabout, buffoon,
The jig is up, and all too soon.

Up in the world and down,
I too have sought renown,
Thought it fine to be cock o' the walk,
Strutting about to the tune of talk,
Weighing my words to prove me wise,
Knowing my soul was a mesh of lies.

Up in the world, high up,
I drank from a golden cup,
I was a king, and I judged in state,
Fickle in all but my royal hate,
Playing the game with the best of friends,
Playing the pawns for the meanest ends.

Down in the world, far down,
It is strange for a careless clown,
I sit in rags by the city gate,
There in the place where the lepers wait,
And I wash their sores and pity them,
While Christ rides by to Jerusalem.