There dwelt an old and simple soul
beside the river near
He worked and sang from morn till night
for nothing he did fear

He thought that no one cared for him
no reason could he see
"I envy nobody, not I
and no one envies me"

But oh so wrong was he said I
so wrong as wrong could be
"If my soul could be light as yours
I'd gladly trade with thee"

I asked him then "what makes you sing
in voice so loud with glee
I be rich, though my heart is poor
the beauty I can't see"

"I owe no man not even one
a simple man I be
My house is small, my clothes unkempt
though I at least be free"

"Good sir" said I and sighed awhile
"now it is I who see
You are the one to be admired
farewell and happy be"

Tate