Two friends once were walking in sociable chat,
When a purse one espied on the ground;
"Oh, see!" said he, (thank my fortune for that,)
"What a large sum of money I've found!"
"Nay, do not say _I_" said his friend, "for you know
'Tis but friendship to share it with me;"
"I share it with you," said the other. "How so?
He who _found_ it the owner should be."
"Be it so," said his friend, "but what sound do I hear?
'Stop thief!' one is calling to you;
He comes with a constable close in the rear!"
Said the other, "Oh, what shall we do?"
"Nay, do not say _we_," said his friend, "for you know
You claimed the sole right to the prize!
And since all the _money_ was taken by you,
With you the _dishonesty_ lies."