If you fancy that your people came of better stock than mine, <br />If you hint of higher breeding by a word or by a sign, <br />If you're proud because of fortune or the clever things you do -- <br />Then I'll play no second fiddle: I'm a prouder man than you! <br /> <br />If you think that your profession has the more gentility, <br />And that you are condescending to be seen along with me; <br />If you notice that I'm shabby while your clothes are spruce and new -- <br />You have only got to hint it: I'm a prouder man than you! <br /> <br />If you have a swell companion when you see me on the street, <br />And you think that I'm too common for your toney friend to meet, <br />So that I, in passing closely, fail to come within your view -- <br />Then be blind to me for ever: I'm a prouder man than you! <br /> <br />If your character be blameless, if your outward past be clean, <br />While 'tis known my antecedents are not what they should have been, <br />Do not risk contamination, save your name whate'er you do -- <br />`Birds o' feather fly together': I'm a prouder bird than you! <br /> <br />Keep your patronage for others! Gold and station cannot hide <br />Friendship that can laugh at fortune, friendship that can conquer pride! <br />Offer this as to an equal -- let me see that you are true, <br />And my wall of pride is shattered: I am not so proud as you!<br /><br />Henry Lawson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-prouder-man-than-you/
