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The Twins by Robert Browning
Give'' and ``It-shall-be-given-unto-you.''
I.
Grand rough old Martin Luther Bloomed fables---flowers on furze, The better the uncouther: Do roses stick like burrs?
II.
A beggar asked an alms One day at an abbey-door, Said Luther; but, seized with qualms, The abbot replied, ``We're poor!
III.
``Poor, who had plenty once, ``When gifts fell thick as rain: ``But they give us nought, for the nonce, ``And how should we give again?''
IV.
Then the beggar, ``See your sins! ``Of old, unless I err, ``Ye had brothers for inmates, twins, ``Date and Dabitur.
V.
``While Date was in good case ``Dabitur flourished too: ``For Dabitur's lenten face ``No wonder if Date rue.
VI.
``Would ye retrieve the one? ``Try and make plump the other! ``When Date's penance is done, ``Dabitur helps his brother.
VII.
``Only, beware relapse!'' The Abbot hung his head. This beggar might be perhaps An angel, Luther said.
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