'Tell me, would you rather be <br />Changed by a fairy to the fine <br />Young orphan heiress Geraldine, <br />Or still be Emily? <br /> <br />'Consider, ere you answer me, <br />How many blessings are procured <br />By riches, and how much endured <br />By chilling poverty.' <br /> <br />After a pause, said Emily: <br />'In the words orphan heiress I <br />Find many a solid reason why <br />I would not changëd be. <br /> <br />'What though I live in poverty, <br />And have of sisters eight-so many, <br />That few indulgencies, if any, <br />Fall to the share of me: <br /> <br />'Think you that for wealth I'd be <br />Of even the least of them bereft, <br />Or lose my parent, and be left <br />An orphaned Emily? <br /> <br />'Still should I be Emily, <br />Although I looked like Geraldine; <br />I feel within this heart of mine <br />No change could workëd be.'<br /><br />Charles Lamb<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-offer-4/
