Gitanjali

Gitanjali - Giving:

I had gone a-begging from door to door in the village path, when your golden chariot appeared in the distance like a gorgeous dream and I wondered who was this King of all kings!

My hopes rose high and methought my evil days were at an end, and I stood waiting for alms to be given unasked and for wealth scattered on all sides in the dust.

The chariot stopped where I stood.

Your glance fell on me and you came down with a smile.

I felt that the luck of my life had come at last.

Then of a sudden you did hold out your right hand and say What have you to give to me?

Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open your palm to a beggar to beg!

I was confused and stood undecided, and then from my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to you.

But how great my surprise when at the day's end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a least little gram of gold among the poor heap.

I bitterly wept and wished that I had had the heart to give you my all.