Part 2 (1/2)

POLITICAL ECONOMY.

CHAPTER I--PRODUCTION.

A youth, not handsome from an outward view, Whose features stern belied the mellowness That dwelt behind his earnest, steadfast look, Delved in his heart upon a summer day And found therein a narrow vein of love.

The prospect pleased, and on development He found the mine was rich. For years he worked And piled in heaps the ore upon the dump.

Deep 'neath the mountain ridges of his heart He branched out levels on the silvered streak, And found almost exhaustless hidden wealth.

He sought a.s.sociation, and he found A friend who brought the skill to treat the ore.

He wasted not the wealth by labor won, But, when refined, he stored the bricks away, Until within himself there was no s.p.a.ce, And he was but a treasure house of love.

CHAPTER II--EXCHANGE.

The youth is lost. Behold, on manhood's verge, Our hero now. A market for his ware He seeks at home in vain. There smallest coins Supply the daily needs, and he must seek A distant sh.o.r.e, and one to coin his wealth.

Undauntedly, despite unbroken paths, Unheeding storms and floods, he presses on To reach her side. An aged man stands guard, And yet he marches up the walks unchecked.

His very boldness awes. A maiden there Is pleased with what he brings, and from her heart She gladly pays him golden coin therefor.

She mints her boughten wealth, and later on They meet again. They ride the garden gate.

Proximity, free trade promote exchange.

She pays him back his own, each coin a kiss.

The market steady rules, demand is strong.

Supply exhaustless. 'Tis called a fair exchange, And yet they both are richer made thereby.

CHAPTER III--CONSUMPTION.