A GENTLEMAN

A GENTLEMAN
581-10

I knew him for a gentleman
By signs that never fail;
His coat was rough and rather worn,
His cheeks were thin and pale
A lad who had his way to make,
With little time to play,
I knew him for a gentleman
By certain signs today.

He met his mother on the street;
Off came his little cap.
My door was shut; he walted there
Until I heard his rap.
He took the bundle from my hand,
And when I dropped my pen
He sprang to plek it up for me,
This gentleman of ten.

He does not push or crowd along;
His voice is gently pitched;
He does not füing his books about
As if he were bewitched.
He stands aside to let you pass;
He always shuts the door:
He runs on errands willingly,
To forge and mill and store.

He thinks of you before himself;
He serves you if he can:
For in whatever company,
The manners make the man.
At ten and forty ’tis the same;
The manner tells the tale,
And I discern the gentleman
By signs that never fail.