text: Lewis Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno Page 31
  'No Nobleness of soul have I, Like some that in this Age are found!' (Paul blushed in sheer humility, And cast his eyes upon the ground) 'This debt will simply swallow all, And make my life a life of woe!' 'Nay, nay, nay Peter!' answered Paul. 'You must not rail on Fortune so!
  'But pay your debts!' cried honest Paul. 'My gentle Peter, pay your debts! What matter if it swallows all That you describe as your "assets"? Already you're an hour behind: Yet Generosity is best. It pinches me--but never mind! I WILL NOT CHARGE YOU INTEREST!'
  'How good! How great!' poor Peter cried. 'Yet I must sell my Sunday wig-- The scarf-pin that has been my pride-- My grand piano--and my pig!' Full soon his property took wings: And daily, as each treasure went, He sighed to find the state of things Grow less and less convenient.
  Weeks grew to months, and months to years: Peter was worn to skin and bone: And once he even said, with tears, 'Remember, Paul, that promised Loan!' Said Paul' I'll lend you, when I can, All the spare money I have got-- Ah, Peter, you're a happy man! Yours is an enviable lot!
  It chanced one day, as Peter sat Gnawing a crust--his usual meal-- Paul bustled in to have a chat, And grasped his hand with friendly zeal. 'I knew,' said he, 'your frugal ways: So, that I might not wound your pride By bringing strangers in to gaze, I've left my legal friend outside!