Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RICH AND POOR, by AL-HAITHAM
First Line: The poor are treated scurvily
Last Line: Of shining guineas gleam.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ibn Abi L-haytham

The poor are treated scurvily,
And men with unanimity
Throng the rich man's gate:
'Tis the decree of Fate.

Mankind, indeed, are likest to
Mad moths, and flutter, so they do,
Where they see the beam
Of shining guineas gleam.