Both Sides | AdventAI

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, Cal. · May 13, 1875

Both Sides.

A MAN in his carriage was riding along, A gaily dressed wife by his side; In satin and laces she looked like a queen, And he like a king in his pride.

A wood-sawyer stood on the street as they passed; The carriage and couple he eyed; And said as he worked with his saw on a log, "I wish I was rich and could ride."

The man in the carriage remarked to his wife, "One thing I would give if I could— I'd give my wealth for the strength and the health Of the man there sawing the wood."

A pretty young maid, with a bundle of work, Whose face, as the morning was fair, Went tripping along with a smile of delight, While humming a love-breathing air.

She looked on the carriage; the lady she saw, Arrayed in apparel so fine, And said in a whisper, "I wish from my heart Those satins and laces were mine."

The lady looked out on the maid with her work So fair in her calico dress, And said, "I'd relinquish position and wealth, Her beauty and youth to possess."

Thus it is in the world, whatever our lot, Our minds and our time we employ In longing and sighing for what we have not, Ungrateful for what we enjoy. —Sel.