“Comeandhireme,” Icried, whileinthemorningIwaswalkingonthestone-pavedroad.
Swordinhand, theKingcameinhischariot.
Heheldmyhandandsaid, “Iwillhireyouwithmypower.”
Buthispowercountedfornought, andhewentawayinhischariot.
Intheheatofthemiddaythehousesstoodwithshutdoors.
Iwanderedalongthecrookedlane.
Anoldmancameoutwithhisbagofgold.
Heponderedandsaid, “Iwillhireyouwithmymoney.”
Heweighedhiscoinonebyone, butIturnedaway.
.
Thefairmaidcameoutandsaid, “Iwillhireyouwithasmile.”
Hersmilepaledandmeltedintotears, andshewentbackaloneintothedark.
Thesunglistenedonthesand, andtheseawavesbrokewaywardly.
Achildsatplayingwithshells.
Heraisedhisheadandseemedtoknowme, andsaid, “Ihireyouwithnothing.”
Fromthenceforwardthatbargainstruckinchild’splaymademeafreeman.
