The Twins
Grand rough old Martin LutherBloomed fables-flowers on furze,The better the uncouther:Do roses stick like burrs?
A beggar asked an almsOne day at an abbey-door,Said Luther; but, seized with qualms,The abbot replied, "We're poor!"
"Poor, who had plenty once,When gifts fell thick as rain:But they give us nought, for the nonce,And now should we give again?"
Then the beggar, "See your sins!Of old, unless I err,Ye had brothers for inmates, twins,Date and Dabitur.
"While Date was in good caseDabitur flourished too:For Dabitur's lenten faceNo wonder if Date rue.
"Would ye retrieve the one?Try and make plump the other!When Date's penance is done,Dabitur helps his brother.
"Only, beware relapse!"The Abbot hung his head.This beggar might be perhapsAn angel, Luther said.
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