I see, Mama, said little Jane,
A beggar coming down the lane;
O, let me take him (may not I?)
This cheese-cake and some currant pie.
Your charity I much approve,
And something you may take him, love;
But let it be some bread and cheese,
Much better than such things as these.
By giving sweetmeats to the poor
Who never tasted them before,
We spoil the good we have in view,
And teach them wants they never knew.
[Illustration]