To get he had tried,
yet his store was still meager.
To a wise man he cried,
in a voice keen and eager;
Pray tell me how I may successfully live?
And the wise man replied,
"To get you must give."
As to giving he said,
"What have I to give?"
I've scarce enough bread,
and of course one must live;
But I would partake of Life's bountiful store.
Came the wise man's response;
"Then you must give more."
The lesson he learned;
to get was forgotten,
Toward mankind he turned
with a love new begotten.
As he gave of himself in useful living,
Then joy crowned his days,
for he grew rich in giving.