William's Cake

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Title:     William's Cake
Author: Elizabeth Turner [More Titles by Turner]

Young William Goodchild was a boy
Who lov'd to give his playmates joy;
And when his mother sent his cake,
Rejoic'd for his companions' sake.

"Come round," he cried, "each take a slice,
Each have his proper share of ice;
We'll eat it up among us, here:
My birth-day comes but once a year."

A poor blind man, who came that way,
His violin began to play;
But though he play'd, he did not speak,
And tears ran slowly down his cheek.

"What makes you weep?" young William cried.
"I'm poor and hungry," he replied,
"For food and home I'm forced to play,
But I have eaten nought to-day."

"Poor man!" said William, "half my share
Remains, which I will gladly spare;
I wish 'twas larger for your sake,
So take this penny and the cake."

I need not ask each youthful breast
Which of these boys you like the best;
Let goodness, then, incitement prove,
And imitate the boy you love.

[The end]
Elizabeth Turner's poem: William's Cake

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