Classic Poem

One day a shameless and impudent wight
Went into a shop full of steel wares bright,
Arranged with art upon ev'ry shelf.
He fancied they all were meant for himself;
And so, while the patient owner stood by,
The shining goods needs must handle and try,
And valued, — for how should a fool better know? —
The bad things high, and the good ones low,
And all with an easy self-satisfied face;
Then, having bought nothing, he left the place.

The tradesman now felt sorely vex'd,
So when the fellow went there next,
A lock of steel made quite red hot.
The other cried upon the spot:
" Such wares as these, who'd ever buy?
The steel is tarnish'd shamefully, " —
Then pull'd it, like a fool about,
But soon set up a piteous shout.
" Pray what's the matter? " the shopman spoke;
The other scream'd: " Faith, a very cool joke! "