''What was once is now forgotten
What remains becomes downtrodden'',
Said the elder with his deathly gloom.
As if he, prophet of doom,
Had the right and knowledge
To proclaim such things; certainty came from his cottage.

Thus I questioned "What therein doth make you sure?
What such ghastly being have you seen that doth carry death's allure?"
"Poverty, my child, it shall see us all entombed.
Where was once enough for many
is there now enough for few;
We will put down every penny,
Time and time, we'll start anew
'till the day comes when
Where was once enough for few
Will be nay enough for any.
This will be the end of days
For our ancient, dying brood."

As he finishes thus saying
The old man in wise attire
starts towards his cottage treading
By now, he's sure to be quite tired.