There's little to have but the things I had, br There's little to bear but the things I bore. br There's nothing to carry and naught to add, br And glory to Heaven, I paid the score. br br There's little to do but I did before, br There's little to learn but the things I know; br And this is the sum of a lasting lore: br Scratch a lover, and find a foe. br br And couldn't it be I was young and mad br If ever my heart on my sleeve I wore? br There's many to claw at a heart unclad, br And little the wonder it ripped and tore. br There's one that'll join in their push and roar, br With stories to jabber, and stones to throw; br He'll fetch you a lesson that costs you sore: br Scratch a lover, and find a foe. br br So little I'll offer to you, my lad; br It's little in loving I set my store. br There's many a maid would be flushed and glad, br And better you'll knock at a kindlier door. br I'll dig at my lettuce, and sweep my floor, br Forever, forever I'm done with woe. br And happen I'll whistle about my chore, br "Scratch a lover, and find a foe." br br br br L'ENVOI br br Oh, beggar or prince, no more, no more! br Be off and away with your strut and show.